molting questions

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:52 pm

What are the main signs for molting? How fast do small hermit crabs molt? And what does it mean when 'the hermit left a window for me'? I was just wondering! :roll:

Kilimanjaro · Post by **Kilimanjaro** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 4:55 pm

It can be extremely difficult to detect a molt. Some common signs are excessive eating and drinking, bathing in saltwater, digging often, an ashy appearance in eyes and legs, and a small sac located on the abdomen (usually with white or black speckles).

Small hermit crabs (smaller than a golf ball) can usually molt in less than a month. The molting time frame can differ from crab to crab. There are some small crabs that finish molting in two weeks and others that finish in a month and a half.

When a crab "leaves a window", it means it dug near the tank wall so you are able to see into the hole. Most crabs eventually leave this hole, but if you have a crab that does not, I like to cover it up with tape so no light gets in. Some crabbers believe light is associated with a molting hormone.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 5:05 pm

Cool okay, but on the sack is it on the top or bottom of the abdomen?

MudCrabDude · Post by **MudCrabDude** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:17 pm

Here's a rough sketch of what to look for:

Or, you can check out this website:

http://www.thecrabbagepatch.com/molting.html

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Jun 29, 2008 7:45 pm

Thanks, now i understand lol!!!!