how long should i wait

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:11 pm

ok so hermie has been down a month and 2days, how long should i wait till i go looking for her?? my other 2 have came back up and i just moved them in to the new 20g tank with my other crabs....im getting worried about her....

jenok · Post by **jenok** » Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:37 pm

Mine took around two months. The thing is if it died there is nothing you can do if its still molting you could do more damage than good. So just wait and in 3 months if you want go looking if its not back up cuz I have heard some people say theirs take up to 3 months. It actually only takes a day or so to molt but they usually dig around til they find a certain spot, then distress and get ready, then molt then harden, then recoup, then come up when they are ready. Its hard not to worry just remember there is nothing you can do to help. Now if you here it making distress noises carefully spoon away the sand cuz its tunnel may have collapsed but its not very likely to happen.

Miko · Post by **Miko** » Thu Aug 15, 2013 12:53 pm

i have heard 3 months for larger crabs but she is maybe and i mean maybe the size of a quarter..

Geranium · Post by **Geranium** » Fri Aug 16, 2013 12:35 am

I would wait a couple more months. If you disturb the molt, you're taking a risk with the crab's health. If she's dead, waiting wont matter.

finalfantasyxii · Post by **finalfantasyxii** » Fri Aug 16, 2013 10:20 am

I dunno dude my opinion is to go ahead and go down. As somebody once pointed out to me they only spend maybe 3 days actually molting and eating exo and the rest is just them prepping, resting, hardening up etc. So the chances of catching her mid-molt are small.That being said, you have to be very careful and if you do happen to find her mid-molt you have to leave her where she is and keep her safe and protected while she finishes her molting.I know there's a risk going after crabs who are down but I don't like them decomposing in there with the other crabs either. Of course, if she's by herself her decomposing probably can't hurt anybody so maybe not worth the risk.After everything you have to make your own decision on what you feel most comfortable with. Don't know if that was helpful at all...