Hermit crab molts

[ramanth]

Was your crab on the surface or did you dig him up? They typically eat their molts because they need those nutrients.

As far as I know, the process goes that they molt, eat the molt, then come topside. They won't come above ground until their new exoskeleton has hardened.

So if he was on the surface, he must of just not wanted to eat the whole molt. But if you dug him up, you'll just need to leave him be and leave the molt in with him. He may still eat it.

Good luck!

[Alysser]

Thanks, no he was actually in his water dish when I noticed he was alive. He had been in the bedding of his cage though, so I'm guessing he should be safe to handle. The molt was starting to smell so I took it out just now, he didn't seem to want it..and he has been moving around the last few days so there was opportunity. He has been acting like his normal self lately, so he is back to normal. I never dig them out because if they are dug in they probably want to be left alone, so I would never do that. Thank you for the help though!