Hermit crab molting happens very naturally as they grow larger. During this process, the hermit crab sheds his exoskeleton, which is the hard layer covering the abdomen, legs, and claws. While the new exoskeleton is growing your crab is exposed. Don’t be surprised if your crab is buried in the sand and seems not to move at all for days at a time during this period of time. This is why you should have 3-4 inches of sand in your crab’s tank.
You can expect the hermit crab molting process to occur once a year, or maybe once every two years. The number of times a crab molts depends on several factors. The younger hermit crabs will grow faster than the older crabs. Some crab species go through the molting process more often than others. Another reason for the molting process to occur sooner is if there is an injury, for example if your crab loses a limb.
People that have experience with hermit crabs can often tell when a crab is about to go into the molting stage. If your crab looks like he is fading in color, especially near the tips of the claws this could be a sign. During the beginning stage of the molting process hermit crabs are commonly lethargic. There have been several cases where owners have thought their hermit crab was ill or had even died. It is not unusual for the eyes to turn cloudy as if your crab has developed cataracts. The crab may also dig more frequently than before. The crab has a sack of water near his abdomen inside his shell that will sustain him through the molting process.
Go ahead and leave your hermit crab in his tank if he is the only one that lives there. It is probably a good idea to have a separate tank for your molting crab if you have a community of crabs. This is a questionable topic that many hermit crab owners find themselves disagreeing about. Some feel that it is unnecessary, and that the crab would feel more comfortable in a familiar environment. Others believe that your crab should be protected from their fellow crabs during this time period. Don’t touch your crab if he is already buried in the sand to begin the molting process.
While your hermit crab is molting, avoid handling him. Remember to try not to remove the exoskeleton or give him a bath during this time, this is because you may cause irritation or infection. Go here for more information on a hermit crab bath. The only part you play in this natural process is to provide your crab will enough water and food.
There is not a set time frame for the molting process as it can take anywhere from a couple weeks to a three months. You can expect your crab to be just as active as before once he resurfaces after the molting process is over. Don’t be surprised if your crab eats his old exoskeleton, which is high in calcium. Extra calcium is necessary for your hermit crab as he comes out of the molting process. Hermit crabs will feel cramped in their old shells and will have to now find a larger more suitable shell for their larger exoskeleton. You should give your crab several different options when it comes to shells after your hermit crab has finished molting.
For more information on hermit crabs please visit http://hermitcrabcarecenter.com.
Hermit Crab Molting
Land Hermit Crab Molting Help?
Ok, so like two days ago, I thought my hermit crab was dead. But, I thought it might possibly be molting. Now, I know he is. He has moved to a different location of his tank, proving he moved! I’m ecstatic:) But now, I don’t know what to do! He is completely out of his shell and currently beside it. He is sitting in his water shell, which is now basically empty from him sitting in it… anyway, I have his new shell sitting beside him. Do I need to do anything else? Am I doing okay? Help! I really want to be successful with my first hermit crab!
Thanks! 
That’s funny… hate to burst YOUR bubble, but, guess what? He freaking molted.
It’s also funny how you said they should eat meat… Meat kills them, idiot.
i hate to burst your bubble but that crab is not molting, it is dying … hermit crabs when molting burrow into their substrate … do you have the correct substrate ??? such as play sand or coconut fibre ??? if it is coloured hermit crab sand, that is killing him slowly … is the substrate deep and damp enough for the crab to bury himself completely ??? and are you keeping just one crab ??? that is not done, they need to be kept in groups or they are constantly stressed, stress leads to illness, illness to death … and you can not just put a shell you choose for the crab beside him … he needs shells to choose from himself … here is what you need to do … google land hermit crab care and read on hermit crab sites the proper way to have hermit crabs … i am sorry but i am picturing you have a kritter keeper and one crab and half an inch of coloured sand, and if you do, you are not doing okay … you are doing awful in fact … this is a living creature that could have been purchased by someone who did the research and has a correct environment and would live a long life … in captivity they can live over 15 years but so many people keep them incorrectly they die within a year … that is pretty sad … i am not trying to be mean at all, but i love hermit crabs and i hate when i see them purchased and then their needs are not met and they die … and i am sorry, yours is dying or dead and is not molting … even surface molters (which they only do if something is off in the environment) stay in their shells … p.s. all hermit crabs require fresh and salt water … all hermit crab water must be dechlorinated with fish water conditioner and salt water made with marine salt … and do not use any water conditioners made for hermit crabs, they are no effective … and the hermit crab should not eat most commercial hermit crab foods … many contain a preservative toxic to hermit crabs … the crabs should eat fresh meat, veggies and fruit and a variety daily …
how not to house and care for hermit crabs – http://youtu.be/HXlHP3l2Doo
how to correctly house hermit crabs – http://youtu.be/NKydlTDGgNo
Got a Hermit Crab about To Molt? How To Give Them Help For The Process!!!
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Hermit Crab $19.99 Hermit Crab – Masterprint |
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The Hermit Crab $49.99 D. A. Forrest The Hermit Crab – Giclee Print |
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TFH Publications Quick & Easy Hermit Crab Care $3.49 This book includes all the information a beginning pet owner needs for maximum health and enjoyment of their animal. The pet experts at TFH have decades of knowledge at their disposal and share helpful hints and quick tips to make caring for these pets “quick & easy” It contains the most up to date information on housing and feeding your hermit crab. It provides details on shells and molting and explains how they affect your hermit crab. |
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Hermit Crab Salt Water Conditioner – 2.25 oz. – 64 mL $3.29 Hermit crabs benefit from a bowl of saltwater in addition to their freshwater. Special conditioner adds salt, makes molting easier, removes chlorine and chloramines and adds calcium. |
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Common Hermit Crab, Illustration $19.99 Common Hermit Crab, Illustration – Photographic Print |
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