Preparing Iso for possible surface molter, advice?

[Happy Crabber]

My crabby-sense is telling me that Rosy (my new adopted med PP) might be heading for a surface molt. I had her in iso last week. She was getting more active- but no digging, so I put her in the main tank (with 2 sm PP) so she could have more room and more shells to explore. She's been moving around a little to explore different food dishes, but mostly hanging out by the SW bubble pool. I really think she liked the moist fresh air. Today she had one leg dangled in all day- a bit odd. Then she was all tucked in tight. She usually just sits with her eyes slightly covered, or not covered at all. (her shell is way too small) When I picked her up, she just stayed tucked in completely, which is the opposite of what she usually does. Usually no matter how lethargic she has been in the tank, when I pick her up to check on her she always reaches way out.

SO- She's totally unresponsive now, and I think she's headed for a surface molt, or seriously stressed. I'm setting up the iso again. Since I know she may be molting on the surface I put in some extra oyster shell and moss under the coco hut and mixed into the sand there. Anything else I can do for her? Can I sprinkle some of the mineral blend?

Also- what's the best way to cover the hole in the hut? Should I just prop up a shell that she can knock over when she's ready? Or a fake leaf?

Another question: If she's not going to surface molt, is it bad to put her in the hut with the door closed up? She has been gaining strength in the week I've had her, but she's still not acting like a normal crab. Very very very slow. Only occasionally eating at a normal crab speed. I'd hate to deprive her of the full variety of foods, etc, that I serve in the big tank. I suppose I can put in fresh food for a few days and see what happens. I just feel odd closing the door to the cocohut when I'm not SURE she is molting.

Advice? Experience with 'adopted-from-bad-conditions' crabs?

[wodesorel]

If she's okay she'll dig herself out of that hut. You can't keep them confined when they don't want to be! A shell or leaf to keep it dark that she could knock out of the way if she wanted to would be great.

Stress can come from being moved around, but as long as the conditions are close to what she's in now it shouldn't have a large affect. If they really show signs of not being normal when they get home, I will keep them separate until they're moving better or have molted. They've already been through so much that sometimes safety trumps having a large tank right away.

[Happy Crabber]

Yeah, I guess I jumped the gun on that one. Lesson learned. I'll put her back in iso tonight.
Poor crabby.

[Happy Crabber]

OK- she's back in iso. Do I get to peak in on her from time to time?

Right now I totally feel the way my birdie avatar looks.

[wodesorel]

I don't think it's recommended, but I will every couple of days to see how they're doing.

[jessigurl_31]

no dont peak in on her just yet. cover your iso with a towel so that she is in dark and has alot of quiet. I have also heard organic honey does wonders for sick feeling crabbies. Im sending you lots of crabby vies hoping she does well. unless you are changing water of food then just leave the tank alone and watch for the dreaded "fish smell". dont want to get you down but I bought some lil guys one time and one was really really active eating drinking digging climbing then all of a sudden dropped legs and a couple days later passed away on me. Just leave her alone. that is what would be best for her right now