Molting???

Questions about hermit crabs moulting and its symptoms.
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Stacyskinrood
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Posts: 2
Joined: 15 Dec 2022, 06:27
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 5
Total gallons: 10
Total tanks: 1

Molting???

Post by Stacyskinrood »

I have 5 hermit crabs in my classroom. A student took them home over the summer, when she brought them back the entire tank floor was filled with sand for their floor. About 3-4 weeks ago I changed out their tank and put coconut fibers back in with a small sandy area. Within a few days all of the hermit crabs buried themselves (I can only find one now buried) and except one none have come out. Could the previous sand have been a problem for them and when I changed the tank they all buried themselves to molt? The tank does not smell funny but I am not sure if it would if they died when they are buried. I also do not want to harm them by digging them up. How long do I wait? It is just strange that they are all buried at once, hoping they didn't bury and die. Any advice?
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Wai
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Joined: 01 Nov 2004, 14:12
Gender: Male
Hermit crabs: 2
Total gallons: 45
Total tanks: 1
Location: Victoria, Australia
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Re: Molting???

Post by Wai »

Burying is normal; they have not been under for all that long and it is possible that they are moulting.
Wai
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Stacyskinrood
Zygote
Zygote
Posts: 2
Joined: 15 Dec 2022, 06:27
Gender: Female
Hermit crabs: 5
Total gallons: 10
Total tanks: 1

Re: Molting???

Post by Stacyskinrood »

Thank you!!
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