Why do hermit crabs drop their claws or legs?
There are three basic reasons why hermit crabs lose their pinchers and legs. First, the environment may be too dry. Adding water-filled sponges in their water dish and misting crabs, along with twice-weekly baths and daily drinking water will help an arid environment. Second, the loss could result from physical stress, such as a traumatic molt or toxic interference from paint fumes or insecticides. Finally, an aggressive crab could have attacked it and the crab could have dropped its claw as it escaped. Claws and legs will regenerate during the next molt.
