Is it safe to cook?

[Stevo]

Here is a little test we used when I worked at a seafood house when sorting crabs to steam. If the crab seemed lifeless we would pull one or two of the legs downward just hard enough that the knuckle seperated from the body. If the meat retracted the leg back tight to the body it is okay to cook. If the leg did not, the crab unfortunately is unedible!

[Steve]

I use the eyeball trick. The eyeball should be sticking out a little. If you push it in, it should pop back out. If the eyeball doesn't move, then the crab is dead and is discarded.

[Crabslayer]

I agree with you Steve.  I used to sort crabs for a well known crab house in Balto.  We would go through 75 - 100 bushels a night.  Then it got sold and the owner had us check every crab that wasn't moving by the eye ball method.  Funny thing, within that year after it sold the crabs went from $12 - $25 to $25 - $50 a dozen and that was more than 30yrs ago.  

[kingcrabber]

wow..never even heard of the ol' eyeball trick

[Boss Haus]

I blow on the face and see if the wiskers or anything move. I threw a "dead one back Sunday and it swam away so dont listen to me   It does work most of the time. When in doubt chuck it!

[Joe Crabs]

I noticed while cleaning them, they actually sh!!!!! when you rip their shells off. Check the diaper.