Molting signs on just digging for fun?

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Guettopig
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Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by Guettopig » Wed Aug 23, 2017 9:49 pm

Hello! So I recently adopted two small hermit crabs, both purple pincers. They've been with me 3 days now and they have been just fine, they sleep all day and eat and explore by night, but recently both have started digging. First Hermie slept all day long dug down on the sand so i assumed he might molt soon but he came out and has been active all night and hasn't dug anything else, but now Kraff, my other hermit crab, has started digging down.
I'm not sure if they're doing it for fun or if they might molt soon, anyone can tell me which it is? And if its just for the fun of digging that they're doing it, should I cover their mess up?

Thanks in advance for any answers!

EDIT: I've just checked on them and now they're both digging down deep, possible first molt? :shock:

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LadyJinglyJones
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by LadyJinglyJones » Wed Aug 23, 2017 10:01 pm

It's normal... and only your crabs know what they will do next, lol. Don't fill their holes, they'll take care of that themselves. (Or not... sometimes they just leave 'em, but its fine.)
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
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Guettopig
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by Guettopig » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:06 am

LadyJinglyJones wrote:It's normal... and only your crabs know what they will do next, lol. Don't fill their holes, they'll take care of that themselves. (Or not... sometimes they just leave 'em, but its fine.)
So I'm going to guess it is a molt cause they both dug down into the sand and closed themselves up :shock:
This is my first ever molt, any suggestions aside from don't dig em up?

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GotButterflies
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by GotButterflies » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:29 am

Guettopig wrote:
LadyJinglyJones wrote:It's normal... and only your crabs know what they will do next, lol. Don't fill their holes, they'll take care of that themselves. (Or not... sometimes they just leave 'em, but its fine.)
So I'm going to guess it is a molt cause they both dug down into the sand and closed themselves up :shock:
This is my first ever molt, any suggestions aside from don't dig em up?
They could be just chilling out. Some crabs backfill their holes, and some don't. :)

Suggestions...be patient! :) It is easier said than done, but if all of your tank specs are on point, try not to worry! Which is also easier said than done :)
Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com


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Guettopig
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by Guettopig » Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:05 pm

GotButterflies wrote:
Guettopig wrote:
LadyJinglyJones wrote:It's normal... and only your crabs know what they will do next, lol. Don't fill their holes, they'll take care of that themselves. (Or not... sometimes they just leave 'em, but its fine.)
So I'm going to guess it is a molt cause they both dug down into the sand and closed themselves up :shock:
This is my first ever molt, any suggestions aside from don't dig em up?
They could be just chilling out. Some crabs backfill their holes, and some don't. :)

Suggestions...be patient! :) It is easier said than done, but if all of your tank specs are on point, try not to worry! Which is also easier said than done :)
I'm doing my best to not be a super helicopter mom XD I'll keep their tank all perfect, for em. Lets see if tonight the come out or stay under.


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Guettopig
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by Guettopig » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:30 pm

So the sun has gone down a few hours ago, when they usually get active, and they haven't come out and there's no seafood or fishy smell so I guess this confirms its a molt! :shock: :pale:
I believe in them, they can do it! I'll keep conditions optimal for them!

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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by aussieJJDude » Thu Aug 24, 2017 6:55 pm

Most of the time new crabs do dig down to destress, not exactly moult. Regardless, as long as conditions are on point they will surface when ready.
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Guettopig
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Re: Molting signs on just digging for fun?

Post by Guettopig » Thu Aug 24, 2017 10:00 pm

aussieJJDude wrote:Most of the time new crabs do dig down to destress, not exactly moult. Regardless, as long as conditions are on point they will surface when ready.
That might be it, Hermie just resurfaced and he was more active than ever, he even moved faster. Kraff on the other hand has shown no signs of resurfacing.

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