I’ve had one of my crabs since March of this year (I’m a major newbie) and he still hasn’t molted. Is this normal? Most things I’ve seen says they molt not long after you get them, but he still hasn’t at all. I’m just concerned that he’s not doing the best if he’s not molting.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Not Molting?
-
wodesorel
- Tech Support
- Posts: 10594
- Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
- Location: Leetonia, Ohio
- Contact:
Re: Not Molting?
I had one wait 10 months before going down to molt for the first time. Most crabs want to right away, but some do their own thing and wait longer than what we think is okay!
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram
Re: Not Molting?
Okay thank you! I was worried that I wasn’t doing something right.wodesorel wrote:I had one wait 10 months before going down to molt for the first time. Most crabs want to right away, but some do their own thing and wait longer than what we think is okay!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
-
Hermiesguardian
- Posts: 3029
- Joined: Sun Oct 15, 2017 10:41 pm
Re: Not Molting?
Are all your conditions right? Depth and consistancy of substrate? Heat/humidity. Extra shells.
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Re: Not Molting?
Yes they should be. 80% humidity, 75-80°F, 6 inches sand/calcium sand, and 3 extra shells for him to switch into if needed.Hermiesguardian wrote: Are all your conditions right? Depth and consistancy of substrate? Heat/humidity. Extra shells.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
-
curlysister
- Administrator
- Posts: 4422
- Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2010 3:54 pm
- Location: Manitoba, Canada
Re: Not Molting?
Calcium sand is NOT safe for crabs, it gets hard like cement when wet. You need play sand, which most of us mix with EE/ coco fiber. It helps hold moisture and keep the sub 'sand castle' consistency.
HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect shells to buy, see the shells guide for more info.
HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect shells to buy, see the shells guide for more info.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers
Re: Not Molting?
I put very little of that calcium sand, so I’m glad I didn’t put a lot in it. I’m going to try to either get more shells today or soon, depending on if I can find any while I’m out today.curlysister wrote:Calcium sand is NOT safe for crabs, it gets hard like cement when wet. You need play sand, which most of us mix with EE/ coco fiber. It helps hold moisture and keep the sub 'sand castle' consistency.
HCA recommends 3-5 extra shells per crab. There are correct and incorrect shells to buy, see the shells guide for more info.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Re: Not Molting?
My crabs go 6-7 months in between molts.