I have a new hermit crab who has been underneath the substrate for a month

[coolcrab98]

Exactly one month ago today, I got a new hermit crab from my local petco. I had a crab die so I wanted to get a new one to give the one who was left behind a friend. The first two days I had him he was very active even in the day time, and was very social and active with my 3 other crabs. On the second night though, he buried himself and hasn’t come out since. There’s no fish smell, but I do have leaf litter that emits a very strong smell so idk if that’s covering it up. I dont know if he’s alive or dead or molting or what since he’s new. If he is dead, what is the protocol for a hermit crab that is buried and died?

Update: he lives! He came out from the sub today after more than a month and a half.

[curlysister]

If he is dead, there is nothing to be gained by digging him up - he will just compost into the substrate and not harm any other crabs in the tank. If he is in the process of molting, you can harm him by digging him up. So it's best not to dig, unless there is an emergency like a flood or bacterial bloom. Crabs can stay underground for months to molt - wait at least four months, if not longer.

[coolcrab98]

If he is dead, there is nothing to be gained by digging him up - he will just compost into the substrate and not harm any other crabs in the tank. If he is in the process of molting, you can harm him by digging him up. So it's best not to dig, unless there is an emergency like a flood or bacterial bloom. Crabs can stay underground for months to molt - wait at least four months, if not longer.

Ok. Thanks for the help!