How long could it take for my hermit to molt?
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Topic author - Posts: 28
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How long could it take for my hermit to molt?
One of my hermit crabs Anakin has been molting for a little over 3 months now. Anakin is a medium sized hermit crab and has been through 2 successful molts with me so far. His first 2 molts took roughly 2 months or so to complete. I'm getting a little concerned because he's been down for longer this time. In this situation do I just let it be and wait it out..? Also, how much longer until I should really start getting concerned? Thanks for your time.
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Re: How long could it take for my hermit to molt?
You should really get concerned by the 6-month mark if it were me. I would just let it be
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Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
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Goodbye my little E. See you soon.
Bye Fred. You lasted almost 4 years with me. Hope you're with my E now! See you soon Reeba as well. I can't believe I lost you only after a month.
Crabbing for 4 years!
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Re: How long could it take for my hermit to molt?
That’s a pretty normal time for a medium, IMO.
I wouldn’t worry at all. Don’t try to dig for him!
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I wouldn’t worry at all. Don’t try to dig for him!
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Crabber Since 2016
7 Caribbeans & 2 Ecuadorians
I am the proud owner of my hermit crabs, aquarium fish, and isopod totes!
7 Caribbeans & 2 Ecuadorians
I am the proud owner of my hermit crabs, aquarium fish, and isopod totes!
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Re: How long could it take for my hermit to molt?
I get worried when they are down non-stop around the four-month mark. However, digging them up does them no favors if they are molting, and only satisfies our curiosity. If a crab has passed when underground it causes no harm to others in the tank. It's hard to do, but the best thing is to just wait until you have a need to disturb the substrate.
There is always a possibility with younger crabs that they are sneaking up in the middle of the night and then remolting, so there can be long stretches where you aren't seeing them!
There is always a possibility with younger crabs that they are sneaking up in the middle of the night and then remolting, so there can be long stretches where you aren't seeing them!
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