Destressing or Molting??

[orangeinecrab]

Hi guys as some of you know I got my first hermit crab about two and a half weeks ago and I placed him in the tank then placed him in the saltwater dish and then placed him back on the substrate to see if he would move at all (which he didn't) as I had to go out. I came back a few hours later and he had dug down as he was nowhere to be seen and I was okay with that so I went to bed and I woke up hearing a scratching sound so I went over to the tank and I could still hear it so I assumed it was just the crab and I went back to sleep. It's been over two weeks now and he/she hasn't resurfaced or made any sounds so is it a possibility he is molting or is it more likely he is dead or distressing??

[KellyCrabbieLove]

They all typically go down to destress. Many molt before coming back up. They will dig around looking for the perfect spot to make a little cave for both of these purposes. Once they make that cave you won't heat any scratches. As for what he is doing under there I can't tell you. He could happily be in his little cave doing what he needs to do. He many not have made it. Usually they are fine and just trying to destress or molt.

[orangeinecrab]

Ok thanks I will have to be patient and wait for him/her to resurface then

[KellyCrabbieLove]

You're welcome

[orangeinecrab]

He/she is still under and I'm waiting now for he/she to resurface so I can move him/her into a bigger tank in the upcoming weeks