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New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substrate?n
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 4:14 pm
by CrabbahN.E.
I have 5 crabs, four dug under, for destressing or possible molts for four weeks.recently bought. The other crab changed shells ?from a 2 inch pico with a 1 inch opening to a 3 inch turbo with a 1 1/2 inch opening. He has never gone under in the new shell looks a little small for it and won't change to a smaller one.Now three days ago he went into a half log hut with heavy camouflage and won't come oute he also hasn't eaten or drank in three days either. I smoothed the sand around the hut and food dishes and took a picture of the food for accuracy. All conditions are ideal proper humidity, heat, substrate etc.i wonder if he is preparing for a surface molt he is not acting himself. Any opinions
Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 4:36 pm
by Crabinski
He could be leading up to a surface molt. Does he look as though he needs to molt, i.e., no toenails, legs not hairy? If so, keep an eye on him and be ready to pop a cut-down plastic liter soda bottle over him if he does pull a surface molt. The circumference of the bottle will allow you to place a few bottle caps with FW, SW and a bit of "power" food such as peanut butter and honey under the bottle with him.
Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 5:15 pm
by CrabbahN.E.
Thank you, I will frequently check him and leave him alone.
Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 8:33 pm
by Krusty Krab
Make sure to get a cuttle bone, it's in the bird isle at pet stores. Just in case.lol
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Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Wed Feb 24, 2016 9:09 pm
by CrabbahN.E.
I will, thank you!!
Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:54 pm
by CrabbahN.E.
Update, he moved to another half log cave that is on a second level that I made out of a cork board.he is still not eating he hangs out inside the half log cave and doesn't come out. I haven't checked him physically to see the condition of his nails and coloring.and I am hesitant to disturb him because if he isn't gong under because the shell is too big ,he don't want to change it won't I just stress him out further disturbing him? Its just odd he decided to hide on the second level when there is a nice area to hide under the cork board with lots of plants too. I assume it's simply a wait and see situation but I would actually feel better if he dug under like the other four.
Re: New shell won't dig under, too big to molt under substra
Posted: Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:58 pm
by CrabbahN.E.
Would it help if I took some pictures of him and the crabitat and posted them or should I leave him alone?