can two crabs molt in the same cage?

lovepink42 · Post by **lovepink42** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:37 pm

I just switched my crab into a new tank with all the proper substrate that he needs now, im fairly certain he needs to molt and probably will in his better surroundings. my problem is that my brother's crab is going to be moved into the same tank and probably also needs to molt.......is it safe to put the two crabs together in the same tank if they both molt or if only one molts? im afraid that since molting makes them more vulnerable there could be problems with transferring my brother's crab into a brand new environment......what would be the best way to do this?

I'veGotCrabs · Post by **I'veGotCrabs** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:45 pm

Other, more experienced crabbers may have a different idea, but I'd say go for it. I've had several crabs down molting at the same time before and they do fine. Just make sure the tank is large enough with plenty of digging room for them both. Otherwise, they should be fine.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 5:53 pm

I'd say go for it, too. I currently have two crabs down that are molting (one should come up in the next day or so). I think I've actually had 5 or 6 down for molts at the same and they're all alive and well.

lovepink42 · Post by **lovepink42** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 6:02 pm

ok so the molting should be fine, i guess my main concern then is introducing a new crab into the cage at a time when one or both could be vulnerable? will they be ok or should i wait?

I'veGotCrabs · Post by **I'veGotCrabs** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 6:18 pm

I kind of live my life by "no better time than the present". If they're both smaller they're always going to be finishing a molt, getting ready to molt, or molting. Smalls and mediums molt every 3 weeks to 1 month or so, and can be unpredictable. You never know. Again, I say go for it. pop em both in together tonight, make sure there are plenty of shells for both, and plenty of digging space and go for it.

aquav · Post by **aquav** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 8:22 pm

They will be fine and actually probably doing better since hermit crabs love to have company. Depending on the size of your tank you may be able to add a couple more to it.
The other posters are right, go for it!