The excess food and water is stored in a molting sac where it can be accessed throughout the molt. Your crab will start consuming higher protein foods in preparation for molting as these foods offer higher energy. Regular and salt water are both essential to the molting process. The hermit crab uses water to create a barrier between the old and new exoskeleton, so they are able to safely break free. In addition to drinking more water, your crab may also soak in water or spill water onto the sand. [1] X Research source
Your crab may switch shells before a molt. Some switch to larger shells in preparation for a growth spurt. Others will switch into a smaller shell, which will make digging to safe level of the substrate easier. Exoskeletons may appear dull, ashy, chalky, or otherwise discolored. Toenails and hair, called setae, may appear stubby or worn down. Hermit crabs’ eyes may appear glassy or as if there is a film over them. Antennae begin to move more slowly, or in a confused pattern. If your crab has lost a limb, he may begin to regenerate limbs inside a gel-like chitin sack. Your crab may excrete a medicinal or ammonia-like scent. [5] X Research source
Micro or teeny hermit crabs, under . 5 inches to 1 inch, can take 1 to 4 weeks to molt with only a month between. Small hermit crabs, 1 to 1. 5 inches, will take 2 to 3 weeks every 1 to 3 months to complete their molt. Medium hermit crabs, 1. 5 to 2 inches, need 3 to 6 weeks every 2 to 5 months to complete their molt. Large hermit crabs, 2 to 2. 5 inches need 4 to 8 weeks every 4 to 10 months to complete their molt. Extra large hermit crabs, 2. 5 to 3 inches, need 6 to 8 weeks every 10 to 12 months to complete their molt. Jumbo hermit crabs, 3 inches or more, need 8 to 16 weeks every 12 to 24 months to complete their molt. [7] X Research source
You can install a hygrometer to help you keep track of humidity in the tank.
Feed your crab plenty of meat and nuts for protein prior to a molt. Shells, spinach, and shrimp all provide increased levels of calcium. Calcium supplements can be powdered and sprinkled over food. [12] X Research source
Use a 2L plastic bottle to separate your crab. The bottle can be used to create a dome over the molting crab. Remove the lid to allow airflow for your crab. Push the bottle into the substrate over your crab all the way to the bottom of the tank, if possible. Place a divider in the tank that goes from the top all the way to the bottom, so your crabs cannot climb over or under the divider. If you’re unable to isolate the molting crab within the shared habitat, move non-molting crabs into a separate tank to limit stress for your molting crab. [15] X Research source
If the other hermit crabs exhibit aggressive behavior like crawling on top of the newly molted crab, you can place all the crabs in water to remove the molting scent. [24] X Research source Your hermit crab may rebury itself in the main tank, and emerge at night to eat and drink. This is normal. Only re-isolate your crab if the other hermit crabs are bothering the spot where it’s buried. [25] X Research source
Boil shells to destroy any bacteria, prevent infection, and protect your crab. [26] X Research source Try to provide natural shells. Avoid painted shells as your crab may accidentally ingest the paint. Your crab may simply go back into his old shell, and that’s okay too. Offering choices will improve your crab’s health and wellbeing as it guarantees they will be able to find a shell that fits comfortably. [27] X Research source
