HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Hi all.
I just recently got 2 crabs and have their tank all set up for them. For the first few hours they were walking around exploring, but now one has dug into the soil (there’s a tunnel, and i can see the crab from the side of the tank since it’s sort of against the glass) and the other is under one of the water dishes. I haven’t seen them pop up since.
Are they molting? I only just got them and didn’t expect them to molt immediately. Temperature is pretty stable, and humidity is okay I just need to make some adjustments. Other than that, I haven’t seen them eat or drink water.
My main concern is that I will probably have to transfer them soon but don’t want to disturb them if they’re molting. Advice??? Definitely trying to create the best conditions for them but I’m worried there’s something wrong.


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Very normal for them to molt soon after getting good conditions! They may have had to put off molting for a while up to this point. I'd cover up the "window" with a sticky note or something if you can. Also keep providing a bit of food and their water as you don't know when they'll be back up!

What transfer are you planning?

myllkti wrote:Very normal for them to molt soon after getting good conditions! They may have had to put off molting for a while up to this point. I'd cover up the "window" with a sticky note or something if you can. Also keep providing a bit of food and their water as you don't know when they'll be back up!

What transfer are you planning?

okay! what’s the purpose of covering the window? do they just need it to be dark?
also i am visiting family for about a week. i don’t want to disturb them but i’m afraid to leave them here if the temperature and humidity can’t be checked. i don’t have someone nearby that could check it for me and i don’t want to return to their conditions all messed up- but if they’re molting i don’t want to disturb them.


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pcmm03 wrote: ↑

Mon Feb 27, 2023 7:47 pm

okay! what’s the purpose of covering the window? do they just need it to be dark?

yup exactly!

also i am visiting family for about a week. i don’t want to disturb them but i’m afraid to leave them here if the temperature and humidity can’t be checked. i don’t have someone nearby that could check it for me and i don’t want to return to their conditions all messed up- but if they’re molting i don’t want to disturb them.

when are you leaving? Can you try to stabilize temp and humidity before then?

myllkti wrote: yup exactly!
when are you leaving? Can you try to stabilize temp and humidity before then?

i leave in about 2 weeks so i’ll definitely try to stabilize them before then. temperature is stable i just worry about humidity.
Thank you for your help!


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Gl! Moss, bubblers, or a wet towel may help!