He molted! :D

[RubberToe]

So I was asking questions about my halloween crab 2 weeks ago and last night as I was sleeping he decided to shed his first molt. I've heard that a high calcium diet should be supplied during molts in order to regrow their shell. I put some eggshells in there if he ever feels the need to stock up on calcium. I also heard they eat their old shell so I'm leaving that in there. Is there any other precaution I should take for him? I figured I should handle him now as small as humanly possible because his new skin might be very sensitive, like a sunburn. Is molting also a sign of good health by chance?

It has been a big day for little Avicii (thats what I named him)

[GotButterflies]

Molting means that they are growing...so you are obviously doing something right! I'm sorry, I don't know anything about Halloween Crabs! Definitely give calcium.

[RubberToe]

Another thing I noticed, unfortunately during his molt he must have torn once of his small legs off, I've heard they can grow them back so hopefully that won't be a problem. He also doesn't seem to like being held right now because he squirmed very hard when I tried to pick him up to go to the eggshells so i'll give him some time, still a noob on his kind of care. I lifted him up also to take his fully molted exoskeleton out and place it to where he can eat it if he wants. Anybody else have tips on what to do when they molt?

[aussieJJDude]

Best thing is to leave him be. Touching him not only causes stress - already a stressful time as is - but also can cause deformities especially if you pick him up while he is still hardening or moves in a way that causes his body to be placed in a position that can lead to deformities.

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[Orin]

It can take a month for the adult exoskeleton to harden. If you give it a hide like a coconut shell it will probably stay there the whole time - for good reason.