Molt Molt Molt!!!

[gogatorsjr]

Hey i just got a couple of new hermies and i was wonderin what molting is. Is there anythin special i can do for him or what does it do to him??
Please helpppp!

[krabby_katie]

Molting is when a hermit crab sheds it's exoskeleton and eats it. They're extremely vulnerable when they're molting. They have to eat their exo to make their new one hard. You should have an isolation tank for molting. A simple Kritter Keeper will do just fine. Keep sand, food, water, and a cocohut or something in there. Make sure it's heated enough and has good humidity.

When a hermit crab is going to start molting, but him in the isolation tank, away from the other crab. Crabs may try to eat the other's exoskeleton after they shed it. Be sure to put your isolation tank in a quiet, dark place. It's VERY stressful for them to molt.

Whatever you do, do NOT dig him up if he's molting. They dig a little hole in the sand to molt in. Make sure nothing is going to stress him out while he's molting. Feed him lots of calcium rich foods before, during, and after they molt.

For Pre-molt signs, look at the article on this section. It's at the top somewhere. Hope all goes well when you have a molt!

[krabby_katie]

Also, be aware that they may stay under for days, weeks, or months. It all depends on the size for how long they will stay under. Just stay patient and look out for a smell like fish (meaning a dead crab).

[HermieLove19]

katie pretty much put it perfectly. its a very stressful time especially for bigger crabs. just whatever u do dont dig them up. the stress could kill them.

[krabby_katie]

This is great that i explained it good. Now I'll know exactly what to do when one of mine start molting.