Crabs preparing to molt?

SstWnh13 · Post by **SstWnh13** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 5:52 am

Since I've got my crabs a few months ago I worry so much about if they have what they need. Like temperature, humidity, food, etc. I ordered a double gauge for them so I know they are warm enough. I feel like they are pretty happy. Just last week I woke up and one of them had picked out a new shell! I was so excited! I knew then I was doing it right cause he wouldn't have done that if the environment wasn't right. They are usually very active at night I hear them moving a lot at night, but not much during the day. I have them a cave that is under the sand its opening is above then sand and goes down at an angle. I have it near the heater they both love it. Lately they have been out during the day. Sitting in their food, and their fresh water is gone by morning. I feel like they are BOTH preparing to molt. I haven't been messing with them much. Giving them fresh food and water and I check their water midday. They are both doing this they have taken turns in the food, and bury in their cave more than usual. Is it normal for both of them to molt at the same time? The past couple of nights I haven't heard them as much, and if I see them during the day they are eating. I know these are signs of molting, but I didn't think they would do it at the same time. If they are molting together do I need to move them to the ISO tank? They get along very well, sleep together. I just worry about them being happy and healthy, and want them to feel comfortable to molt. Thanks!

Crabber85 · Post by **Crabber85** » Thu Oct 24, 2013 9:23 am

I've been at this since 1992 and haven't had a problem with allowing my hermitcrabs to molt in the main tank and you'll find this is a very common practice with our members here.No it's not unusual for hermitcrabs to molt together and it is entirely normal for mass molting to happen when you have a large group in excess of five.When a hermitcrab is preparing to molt it will display several physical markers like confused or crossed antennas, ashy or faded coloration, increase or decrease in appetite and constant digging.What your hermitcrabs are doing is actually normal behavior as they are nocturnal and some do like to live underground as each hermitcrab has a completely different personality and some will love the surface life while others will take to the underground.

SstWnh13 · Post by **SstWnh13** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:01 am

Thanks So Much!! From what ive read it seemed ok but I just wanted to make sure. People don't realize the work you have to put in. Im glad I waited until now, and did research first. I haven't bothered them in 2 days. We usually hear them at night, but we haven't. The last time I looked in the cave they were buried more than usual. I covered them back up where some sand fell off them Ive been misting the sand and watching the water. Its funny there is a trail of food from the shell to the cave lol. I have kept their light off too. Putting the cave in was the best thing ive ever done. They LOVE it! Thanks again!!

SstWnh13 · Post by **SstWnh13** » Sat Oct 26, 2013 10:09 am

Also I read they can be under for weeks. Its only been a few days its felt a lot longer until I read your answer lol. It pretty much depends on the individual on how long it takes, right? I just worry A Lot cause its not like a dog that can let you know of some needs. I somehow found this forum right when I got them so im lucky to have so many experienced owners to ask, makes me feel so much better! Thanks to everyone on here and to those who answer my questions

Crabber85 · Post by **Crabber85** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:05 am

Yeah molt duration depends on several key factors including diet, personality, need for molt(most pet store hermitcrabs have had to put off molting for weeks even months which causes a dangerous build up of the molt inhibitor hormone which has to be forced out by the hermitcrab secreting another hormone that induces molt), climate, size and general health.Hermitcrabs even of the same species will have varying molt completion times which depending on body size can last anywhere from two weeks to two months.Some species of hermitcrabs molt faster than others but don't grow as big as fast as a result.

SstWnh13 · Post by **SstWnh13** » Mon Oct 28, 2013 8:36 am

Thanks! I cover the tank up with a small towel but left the back open. So they can come out of the cave for food, water, etc. last night they were out more food in a trail back to the cave. Today I fixed them some fresh foods. Granola, dried fruit, and dried worms & shrimp. That's their usual I cut up some ripe strawberries, grapes, blackberries, and some fresh dark greens. They like fresh fruit but I don't always have such a variety. I want to make sure they get the energy they need for this.