Hermit crab molting is a natural process which is necessary if your crab is to grow. Basically this molt means shedding his exoskeleto, a bit like a snake, in order to regenerate damaged or lost limbs and to grow overall.
The molt varies from individual to individual and may occur just once a year for large crabs and maybe three or four times a year for small crabs. The process also varies in duration and can last anything from a couple of weeks to a couple of months from start to finish. Although there are various signs to indicate that the hermie's molt is not far from happening, be aware that your pet hermie could surprise you and molt unexpectedly, so always have a good supply of empty shells ready for him to move into.
The original hermies molt naturally in the wild, so obviously he knows what he is doing. However, it's still a stressful time for him and it can be tempting for an owner to want to intervene to try and give him a hand. Please refrain from doing this at all costs, since at this time he wants his privacy and will not take kindly to being dug out of a hole and handled!
The best course of action if you suspect that your hermie is about to molt or a molt is in the offing is to ensure that you provide your hermie with all that he needs for the duration. Some owners like to put a molting hermie into an isolation tank but most pet stores sell dividers for the main tank, which makes life a lot easier because you can simply partition a section off, knowing that the temperature and humidy levels are unchanged. It's important to know that a pet hermie can be at danger from other crabs immediately after the molting process because he is soft and drained of energy, so that's why he needs to be isolated for his own safety.
Make sure that he has a good supply of moist substrate (play sand is by far the best) and give him plently of depth so that he can dig a decent hole in which to hide. He can do without any distractions such as toys or climbing frames, but he will need plenty of food and water to fuel his tank for the journey ahead. A calcium rich diet is important during the hermie molt so try giving him some cuttlebone shredded or diced with his other regular food.
Once molting is over, which can take several weeks for a large hermie, he will still need time out to harden and regain his energy before being reunited with his mates. He may appear a little timid at first, almost afraid of his own shadow, but rest assured that you will soon recognise when things are back to normal. Once his previous character has emerged and he has settled into a new shell, then you can pop him back into the main tank with his friends.
I would recommend that you read as much about hermit crab molting as possible, so that you can recognise all of the signs and when the time comes you'll be more than prepared to look after your little friend.
About the Author
Tod Schaffer is a Hermit Crab enthusiast who has vast experience of raising Hermit Crabs. For more information about Hermit Crab Molting, Visit Hermit Crabs.
