Hermit Molting

Hermit crab molting happens very naturally as they grow larger. During this progression the hermit crab will shed the hard layer that covers the legs, claws and abdomen which is called the exoskeleton. During the time when the new exoskeleton is growing the crab is extremely vulnerable. During this time, don’t be surprised if your crab buries himself in the sand or seems to not move for days at a time. This is why you should have 3-4 inches of sand in your crab’s tank.

Hermit crab molting usually only happens once in every 1 or 2 years. There are multiple aspects that will affect how often a certain crab will molt. Younger hermit crabs tend to grow faster than older ones. Some species of crabs don’t molt as often as other species. Another thing that could affect the rate at which the molting process happens is if your crab loses a limb, he might then go into the process sooner.

There are many experienced hermit crab owners who can easily tell when a crab is about to enter into another molting stage. If your crab has a bigger appetite than normal this could be a sign. You may notice that your hermit crabs are less active during the first stage of the molt. Some people have by mistake thought that their hermit crab was dead or ill. Frequently, the eyes will appears as if they have cataracts and the eyes will look a little cloudy. It is not uncommon for the crab to start to dig more often then before. If you are really observant you may notice that there is a sack of water that is inside the shell (near the abdomen), this will sustain him during the molt.

You can leave your crab in his tank during the molting process if he is the only in there. If you have a community of crabs, you may want to provide an isolation tank so that he can molt in peace. This is a question that is disagreed upon by hermit crab owners. There are people that don’t like to do this because they say that their crab will be more comfortable staying in a setting that he is use to. It is during this time period that others argue that the crab needs to be protected from other crabs throughout this time. Don’t touch your crab if he is already buried in the sand to begin the molting process.

It is never a good idea to touch your crab when he is molting. It is important that during this time you don’t give him a bath or try to help him remove his exoskeleton because doing so could cause infection or irritation. Go here for more information on a hermit crab bath. The only role you have during this natural process is to make sure your crab has enough food and water during this time.

There is not a golden rule when it comes to how long the hermit crab molting process will take, it can take 2 weeks or it could take 3 months. Following the molting process, the crab will emerge and become just as active as before. Don’t be surprised if your crab eats his old exoskeleton, which is high in calcium. Hermit crabs need extra calcium as they come out of the molting process. Most hermit crabs will also want to move to a new shell at this time, since their new exoskeleton is larger than their old one and they might feel cramped in their old shell. After the hermit crab has finished molting your crab will need to pick a new shell so you should provide him with several options.

For more information on hermit crabs please visit http://hermitcrabcarecenter.com.