subject: Hermit Crab Molting [print this page] Hermit crab molting is a natural process undergone by a growing crab. During this progression the hermit crab will shed the hard layer that covers the legs, claws and abdomen which is called the exoskeleton. Your crab is at risk of harm while the new exoskeleton is growing. It is during this period of time that you crab might be buried and not move for days and days. This is why you should have 3-4 inches of sand in your crab's tank.
It is pretty standard for the hermit crab molting process to occur once a year or maybe even once every two years. There are many things that will determine how often a crab will undergo the molting process. Younger hermit crabs tend to grow faster than older ones. There are some species of crabs that molt more frequently than other species. Another reason for the molting process to occur sooner is if there is an injury, for example if your crab loses a limb.
Experience hermit crab owners know when a crab is about to go into the molting stage. If your crab has a bigger appetite than normal this could be a sign. Hermit crabs are notoriously lethargic at the beginning stages of the molt. Some people have by mistake thought that their hermit crab was dead or ill. Often, the eyes turn cloudy, as if they had cataracts. It is not uncommon for the crab to start to dig more often then before. Observant crab owners might notice a sack of water inside the shell, near the crab's abdomen, which will sustain him during the molt.
If you are only taking care of one hermit crab in your tank then you can leave him in there during the molting process. You might want to provide a separate isolation tank for the crab that is molting if you have a community of crabs. This is an area that many hermit crab owners find themselves arguing over. It is believed by some that this isn't crucial because their crab is better off remaining in the environment he is use to. There are other people that argue that the crab must be protected from other crabs throughout this time. You don't want to dig up your crab if he is already buried in the sand to begin the molting process.
Don't handle your crab while he is molting. You have to make sure that you don't try to help him remove his exoskeleton or give him a bath during this period because doing so might cause him an infection or irritation. The only thing you have to do during this time frame is supply a lot of food and water and your hermit crab will finish the process on his own.
It can take anywhere from two weeks to three months for the hermit crab molting process to finish. You crab will come out once the molting process is over and be as active as before. Don't be surprised if your crab eats his old exoskeleton, which is high in calcium. Extra calcium is necessary for your hermit crab as he comes out of the molting process. Hermit crabs will feel cramped in their old shells and will have to now find a larger more suitable shell for their larger exoskeleton. You should make sure that your crab has several different shells to choose from after it has finished molting.
