HCA: Hermit Crab Association

I've only had my crabs for about two weeks, if that. They usually like to stay hidden in the moss pit, but for the past few days I've only seen two of my three crabs. I looked through the moss and he isn't there, so I kinda freaked for a few minutes. So I'm sure he is buried in the substrate. But it's been about three or four days now and he usually doesn't stay buried for this long so I'm thinking he could be molting (or maybe still destressing?). Eeek! I'm kind of excited if he is molting, but I'm also nervous because I'm not entirely sure what to expect. :O Hopefully he doesn't stay down there too long, I'm already starting to miss him! He's my baby crab. Hahaha.

Does molting coincide with shell changing in any way? Or are they completely independent of one another?

not really' they may try to find one right before. But they will shell shop at any time. However both my molters changed out of their crappy shells right after coming up.

Okay, thats good to know. Also, I got most of my shells from a bag of shells from Hobby Lobby, and after carefull cleaning and inspection, I selected a few for the tank for my crabs. And the pet stores near me didn't have as great of a shell selection as I had hoped, so where is a decent shell shop that I can purchase shells from?

If you're looking to buy shells online check out http://www.hermitcrabpatch.com/
They have awesome shells and give you the opening size of the shells. I have ordered shells and food from there more times than I should have! LOL!

Thank you! I will probably do that! :]