Attacking during molting

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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Queencrab
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Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2018 11:27 pm

Attacking during molting

Post by Queencrab » Wed Sep 05, 2018 11:37 pm

Hi everyone! While at work today one of my crabs started to molt. When I came home I found my larger one on top of my smaller one and I think he was trying to attack him. There are what looks like a molted claw and a few legs spread throughout the tank. I separated them for the night (still in the same tank just barricades away from each other). How long should I keep them apart and what can I do to prevent this in the future? And also what is the best substrate to have in the tank for them for molting?


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JoeHermits
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Re: Attacking during molting

Post by JoeHermits » Wed Sep 05, 2018 11:54 pm

If your crab really is molting, it will have to be isolated until it has finished molting and fully recovered, which could be months. Place a hiding cave or similar object over it to provide as much darkness as possible.

The best substrate for molting would be a 5:1 mixture of playsand and coconut fiber. It should be at least six inches deep or three times the height of your tallest crab.

A surface molt is an emergency situation. If you fill out the emergency template, we can point out possible problem areas for you.

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