Moving and molting crab

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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Krabby<3
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Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:16 pm

Moving and molting crab

Post by Krabby<3 » Sun May 10, 2015 5:40 pm

I will be moving in 3 weeks one of my crabs is currently down. If he is not up by the move I will have to dig him up. I'm not sure how to go about this. What do I do?

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CallaLily
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Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:05 pm

Re: Moving and molting crab

Post by CallaLily » Sun May 10, 2015 6:51 pm

You'll want to have an ISO ready and waiting of course. Starting at one side of the tank away from where you *think he's at, dig down very slowly and carefully. Once you hit the bottom, switch to slowly removing substrate from the side. If you "shave" it off a little at a time that way you can usually notice their molting cave without collapsing it. Let me know if I'm not making any sense. :lol:


Topic author
Krabby<3
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:16 pm

Re: Moving and molting crab

Post by Krabby<3 » Sun May 10, 2015 8:44 pm

Thank you Callalily :D What should I do When I find him?

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CallaLily
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Joined: Sun Aug 03, 2008 9:05 pm

Re: Moving and molting crab

Post by CallaLily » Sun May 10, 2015 9:05 pm

Gently place him and whatever you find of his exo under a hide in isolation with proper conditions. Try not to disturb him after that. I want to add that even if he doesn't look like he has molted, ISO anyway just in case. Leave him isolated until he's been active and eating normally for a few days. And don't forget to give him a dunk in the freshwater pool before returning him to the main tank. Good luck!


Topic author
Krabby<3
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2014 9:16 pm

Re: Moving and molting crab

Post by Krabby<3 » Mon May 11, 2015 3:37 pm

Thank you so much CallaLily :-D


fantasybookworm
Posts: 474
Joined: Wed Apr 22, 2015 8:59 am

Re: Moving and molting crab

Post by fantasybookworm » Mon May 11, 2015 5:29 pm

Good luck with moving! I hope your crab comes up before so you don't have to worry. :) I'm glad you asked though - I bookmarked this thread because I will be moving in the next 6-12 months, and have already been worrying about what to do if one of my three happen to be underneath when it's time to move.

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