How long is the molt period for small crabs?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 11:50 pm

All four of my hermies are buried, and have been for a week or two. My largest, once he realized he was all alone topside, decided to dig down himself.

Needless to say, I miss the little guys. They were all so active together, and now it's pretty silent in there.

I don't know for sure if they're molting or just de-stressing, so I'm not sure how long they'll take to decide when to resurface.

I haven't heard any digging or any other sounds at all.

Any idea how long it might be til they come up?

Post by **wodesorel** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 12:39 am

It's normally about a month's wait before they start to come again. It can take longer - two or three months isn't that uncommon for larger crabs - but small crabs are usually up and about again in a little over 30 days.

It's normal not to hear them when they're under. You'll hear them scratching around digging before and after the molt, and if you're really lucky you can sometimes hear them crunching up their exo to eat it.

It is a long, boring wait for us, but wait until you see them all new and pretty again! It's so worth it.

And since you have four hopefully they won't all go down at the same time again!