Hermit Crab Care: What To Do When Your Hermit Crab is Moltingby Karole Dolen Go back to Articles page
Hermit crabs have a hard outer shell called an exoskeleton. As your
hermit crab grows bigger, the exoskeleton is shed in a process called
molting. During this time, they are also able to regenerate any limbs
that may have been previously lost. Molting is a very stressful process
for him though, and can sometimes result in death.
Sometimes your hermit crab will display signs that they are getting
ready to molt, but usually it is difficult to predict. There are some
things you might take note of such as increased digging, burying
themselves for extended periods of time, slowed or decreased activity,
ashy or dull exoskeleton, and a sudden, increase in appetite. Some
people mistake a molting crab for a dead one. A dead hermit crab will
have a very strong "fishy" odor, while a molting one will not. Be very
careful not to toss out what appears to be an empty shell either! They
could very well be hiding inside, and going through a molt.
A hermit crab who is molting, or about to molt, should be placed inside
a special isolation tank away from other crabs in the cage. An
isolation tank is much simpler and smaller than their normal habitat,
and only needs to have a few things. The best choice for substrate, or
bedding, is damp sand. The sand should be wet enough to stick together,
but not so wet that it's soaking or soggy. A food dish with calcium
enriched food, and a water dish with dechlorinated water is also
necessary. Cuttlebone is an easy way to add calcium to your hermit
crab's food, and it is available in the bird section of your local pet
store.
Once you've determined that your hermit crab is molting, place him in
the isolation cage, in the middle of a pre-dug hole that is the same
size as his shell. He will then probably dig all the way down until his
shell is completely covered. Another way to protect him if he doesn't
dig deep enough, is to place a clean 2 liter soda bottle on top of him.
Cut the bottom portion of the bottle off, remove the lid, and wash and
dry the upper portion thoroughly. Then push the bottle down around your
hermit crab into the substrate, all the way to the floor of the cage.
Once your hermit crab finishes molting, he will rest for a couple days,
and then he'll start eating the old exoskeleton. It contains much
needed calcium, and a hardening ingredient called chitin. Your hermit
crab will also want to choose a larger shell to live in. Place several
different sizes and shapes in the cage with him so that he has plenty
to chose from. An important thing to note, is that hermit crabs have
been known to cannibalize their own kind. So, it's imperative that the
molting crab be separated from other hermit crabs. The exoskeleton
emits an irresistible scent, and the other hermit crabs will do
anything and everything to reach it.
Remember that this is a very stressful time for your hermit crab, and
he should be left mostly alone during the whole process. You will want
to ensure that he stays moist with very light mistings, but do not
attempt to bath him under any circumstance. A bath could kill him, and
too much moisture can create an environment for harmful bacteria to
grow.
Your hermit crab can be returned to his regular cage as soon as he's
moving around and eating well again. Remember, they are not solitary
creatures, and will be happiest when they are around all of their other
hermit crab friends.
About The Author: Karole Dolen is a website designer and freelance writer from Northern California. In addition to being a blessed member of a proud unschooling family, she runs several websites including http://unschoolers.com and http://moonriverdesigns.com.
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