Crab molting problems?

PixelPlex22 · Post by **PixelPlex22** » Sat Sep 26, 2015 3:44 pm

I got my crabbies 3 months ago. 'Bout two weeks in my littlest one, Penny, buried herself in an unknown position during the night. After that Penny stayed buried for eight weeks until I got so worried I decided to find her and clean my tank for my two others Mho and Buddy. My goal was to find Penny while cleaning the terrarium out. I did. I found Penny with a bunch of molting remains. I pulled Penny up and stuck a little piece of grass in between the pitchers to see if she was still alive. She did pinch the grass and is still doing fine. My worry is if she will die from PPS. I'm sure it was traumatizing to be lifted from your position after molting. I think she's done molting anyway. She is nice and colorful in her claws and other parts. Do you guys think she will survive? Did I lift her up to early. Or do you think she got stuck between the tightly packed wet sand. What can I do to prevent PPS?

P.S Yes, I do call my crabs he and she

Allyb01 · Post by **Allyb01** » Sat Sep 26, 2015 4:43 pm

I would leave her be and make sure the conditioners are just right. Also I would put her close to the food so if she is struggling she has close access to it.

Proud owner of 4 PPs,Twinkie, Tiny, Nugget, and Squidgy.

R.I.P Bumbie + Tweedles

soilentgringa · Post by **soilentgringa** » Sat Sep 26, 2015 4:45 pm

Hi!
She needs to be isolated and allowed to eat her exoskeleton and fully harden. Just know that in the future, never dig up a buried crab and there is no need to deep clean an established tank. Beneficial bacteria builds up in the substrate and breaks down waste.
How are your tank conditions?
If you fill out this template we can help address areas of concern.
http://www.hermitcrabassociation.com/ph ... hp?t=46102

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PixelPlex22 · Post by **PixelPlex22** » Sat Sep 26, 2015 5:42 pm

I think most of her exoskeleton was already eaten, she is probably already hardened, mostly. We didn't deep clean the tank either we took the top layer off and put a new layer on. We didn't clean with soap or anything. Sorry I didn't give enough details. Thanks for the help

PixelPlex22 · Post by **PixelPlex22** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 6:52 am

I'm happy to report that Penny has been moving around normally, rather quickly, around my tank. I believe she had eaten because she moved her position during the night. I'm soooo glad!

JulesRolyCrab · Post by **JulesRolyCrab** » Sun Sep 27, 2015 11:06 am

That is great, I'm happy for you!

Post by **wodesorel** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 1:53 am

It would be safer to ISO her for a couple of days until you're sure she's okay, and then to give her a quick dip in the freshwater bowl before leaving her with the others. They take time (days to weeks) underground after they finish eating before they are ready to be with other hermits. They'll be weakened and they may still smell like molting which can lead other hermits to attack them. I have lost crabs by rushing dug up molters back to the main tank, so I warn people about this! Always better to be safer than to have a crab hurt or killed. It only takes a few days to be sure.

PixelPlex22 · Post by **PixelPlex22** » Mon Sep 28, 2015 6:09 am

Yes, I feel pretty dumb. She did end up burying herself again, on the top layer. Probably to protect herself and get rid of the smell. *Fingers Crossed*

Post by **wodesorel** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 12:25 am

So long as she's reburied she should be fine!

PixelPlex22 · Post by **PixelPlex22** » Thu Oct 01, 2015 5:03 pm

Back up, again I think she's fine!

HCA: Hermit Crab Association