Normal?

Where we discuss the behavior of our hermit crabs, as in fights, pecking orders, shell swaps, etc. Please post all naked-crab posts in the Emergency forum.
Post Reply

Topic author
Sherman12
Posts: 20
Joined: Fri Mar 09, 2018 11:35 am
Location: Oklahoma

Normal?

Post by Sherman12 » Sat Apr 14, 2018 8:24 pm

This is the first time my crabs have molted on they are on week 2.
They are both molting at the same time I assume because they buried themselves and haven't come up.
Both of them have made holes on the side of the tank to where I can see inside of their holes.
Is it normal for them to do that?
How long does it take them to molt?

I have a picture but I don't know how to post it.
Rest in peace Feller

User avatar

Wlfwo
Posts: 276
Joined: Sun Jul 23, 2017 8:24 pm

Re: Normal?

Post by Wlfwo » Sat Apr 14, 2018 9:40 pm

Sherman12 wrote:This is the first time my crabs have molted on they are on week 2.
They are both molting at the same time I assume because they buried themselves and haven't come up.
Both of them have made holes on the side of the tank to where I can see inside of their holes.
Is it normal for them to do that?
How long does it take them to molt?

I have a picture but I don't know how to post it.
I don't know about the side of the tank part as mine is covered on 3 sides, but both of mine were down about 3 months. I expect some of that was destressing, but really have no clue as one came up, ate and disappeared for another 3 months.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Tapatalk
I can hear my 75g whispering from the barn.

User avatar

wodesorel
Tech Support
Tech Support
Posts: 10587
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
Location: Leetonia, Ohio
Contact:

Re: Normal?

Post by wodesorel » Sun Apr 15, 2018 12:09 am

They will sometimes molt against the side of the tank. Some owners will tape a piece of paper or cardboard over that open spot to make it dark for them. I never have and never had a problem.

Expect at least 4 weeks down, although up to 4 months is completely normal!
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram

User avatar

curlysister
Administrator
Administrator
Posts: 4301
Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2010 3:54 pm
Location: Manitoba, Canada

Re: Normal?

Post by curlysister » Sun Apr 15, 2018 1:23 pm

Mine had made a little 'window' like that a few times. I usually tape a piece of paper over it - only so I am not tempted to take a flashlight and shine it in there looking at them every day! LOL!

Be patient, it could be a few weeks or a few months. Don't dig them up. Just keep all the tank conditions optimal, and keep putting out food and water for them so it's there when they come up.
"If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went." -Will Rogers


StarGirlxo
Posts: 95
Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2016 2:05 pm

Re: Normal?

Post by StarGirlxo » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:49 pm

Sherman12 wrote:This is the first time my crabs have molted on they are on week 2.
They are both molting at the same time I assume because they buried themselves and haven't come up.
Both of them have made holes on the side of the tank to where I can see inside of their holes.
Is it normal for them to do that?
How long does it take them to molt?

I have a picture but I don't know how to post it.
They are not molting just hanging
Out. They will come up .when they molt you won't see them at all and it can take a few months before you see them.again. leave them.be

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

User avatar

wodesorel
Tech Support
Tech Support
Posts: 10587
Joined: Thu Oct 01, 2009 8:49 am
Location: Leetonia, Ohio
Contact:

Re: Normal?

Post by wodesorel » Sun Apr 15, 2018 5:53 pm

Not true! Some do molt with windows.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram

User avatar

LadyJinglyJones
Posts: 2115
Joined: Sat Aug 27, 2016 12:01 pm
Location: The 6ix, Ontario, Canada

Re: Normal?

Post by LadyJinglyJones » Mon Apr 16, 2018 6:43 pm

Mine just finished moulting in a corner window - I had a view through two sides & the bottom! It was pretty amazeballs. :D
"Gaze upon the rolling deep..."
Quince the fat tailed gecko; Amazonian minnows; and now Harry & Luis, Bede & Aster, Chandra & Jace, Pax, & Piccolo, my adopted PPs.
RIP Vegita :(

User avatar

piratetoothgir
Posts: 1341
Joined: Mon Jun 05, 2017 7:08 am
Location: Texas

Re: Normal?

Post by piratetoothgir » Tue Apr 17, 2018 6:51 pm

Whenever there's a window to my molters, I cover up that part with dark paper, just for privacy.
Crabber Since 2016
7 Caribbeans & 2 Ecuadorians
I am the proud owner of my hermit crabs, aquarium fish, and isopod totes!

Post Reply