molting

[misty1989]

So as u know my lil crabbie morrigan went under 2 weeks ago how long does it take a small crab to molt I know I'm probably just worried since I've never gone thru a molt this is my first. I'm making sure I have lots of protien and calcium waiting for her. And also ever since morrigan went under my crabbie freya has been hiding in her hut only coming out to eat or drink I'm wondering if she's lonely cuz when I take her out to get her some exersize (since I have nothing for them to play on yet) she bolts off having fun do I need to worry about her or is she just as I think lonely.

[Sydthesquid345]

Morrigan seems to be following a perfectly normal molt since it may take up to 2 months in some cases. Just be patient and she'll come up in her new beautiful skin!

[Sydthesquid345]

And for freya you can add toys such a cholla wood ( climbing sticks) , little ping pong balls to roll around, or a moss pit.

[Rebecca C]

Like Sydthesquid said, even if she is down for another 6 weeks or so, that is perfectly normal.

It is possible that Freya could be a little lonely, but she might just be hanging out, or you might be checking in on her during a time of the day that she may be resting. If your temperature is not at a consistent 80 degrees or if the humidity is not at 80%, she might become more active/explore the tank a little more if you were able to bring the temp and humidity to those levels.

[misty1989]

Her humidity is usually between 80 and 90%

[Rebecca C]

If Freya hasn't molted for you yet, she could be getting ready to. How long have you had her?

[misty1989]

Guess its been about a month she was so active untill my other crab went down then she just started hiding

[CallaLily]

Yep, she's probably gearing up to molt too. Here's the thread on molting, in case you haven't read it yet. http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... 23&t=92527

[misty1989]

I know im being paranoid but i haven't heard morrigan move what so ever in the last week and a half. I don't smell fishy anything just smell wet sand. i know for a crab her size it says about a month to molt. I got her from pet smart and ive been reading all the molting threads which is making me more nervous. Freya is still hiding in the hut took her out last night shes still as active as ever put her back in her tat and she proceeded to climb on her hut for a few min then ran back inside....i left her lots of goodies to eat on last nite lettuce carrots shrimp peanut butter and honey and only looks like she took a lil bit of peanut butter. guess im gonna have to go outside and find some sticks to throw in there to see if she becomes more active.

[CallaLily]

At this point it all sounds pretty normal to me. Continue to be patient, keep conditions correct, and wait it out.

As for the crab on the surface. Remember that they eat very little so at times it can be hard to tell if they have eaten. The fact that you can see that she's has is great!

I would also recommend not handling her, unless absolutely necessary, until after she's completed her first successful molt with you. New crabs need time to adjust to their new home and its best to keep them as stress free as possible, imo.

I won't say not to worry....I think its safe to say we all do. Take a deep breath and trust that they know what they're doing. :grouphug:

[misty1989]

well it will be a month on friday since morrigan went down freya is still hiding in her hut. i know im still worrying on morrigan still no fishy smell but still havent heard her move either......

[CallaLily]

It is tough waiting on them to resurface. Probably the worst part of crabbing. It's pretty normal not to hear much out of them after they've settled on a spot to molt in. Hang in there!

[Rebecca C]

I know it is hard to, but try to stay positive, and like Calla said, trust that she knows what she is doing.

I will also add that with her down there by herself, at least you know that no one is disturbing her; that should give you a little peace of mind. I'm worried about my Roux; he went down early November and my new big guy(I have not named him yet) went down a couple weeks after he did, and I'm worrying about my new guy attacking Roux....but I'm trying to stay positive, there is nothing I can do but hope and pray for Roux to come back up safely.

[misty1989]

wells its been a month and two days since morrigan went down no fishy smell still what is the maximum a Small crab should be under and when should i start worrying(not like im not already)? From what i read in the forum it says two weeks to a month. Freya's still acting the same hiding in her hut today shes actually on top of her hut...... i really need to get her some toys to play on.... Freya is eating most of her food that i got from Rebecca . Ive got to find a way to get these darn roaches outta the tank!!!!!!! annoying the heck outta me.

[CallaLily]

It's really hard to give a specific time a crab "should" be down. It really varies situation to situation and crab to crab. I will say this. If she's gone, digging isn't going to help. But if she's ok, digging could cause more harm than good. Sometimes you just have to go with your gut.