hermit crabs can grow if they are molting.The crab needs to be shed to allow it to grow.At least once a year, the Hermit crabs need special care.If you care for the crabs, you need to be prepared for this part of their life cycle.This process intimidates some new owners, but with a complete understanding of how to assist your crab during this time, the process can be something to look forward to.
Step 1: Track how much food and water you get from your crab.
Pre-molt hermit crabs consume more food and water in order to prepare for the rest of their lives.The crabs will not have access to their food and water in most cases.There is a sac where excess food and water can be accessed.Your crab will start eating higher-energy foods in order to prepare for its next stage of development.Salt water is an essential part of the process.The crab uses water to create a barrier between the old and new parts so they can break free.In addition to drinking more water, your crab may also soak in water or spill water onto the sand.
Step 2: If you see signs of excessive digging, it's time to stop.
If the temperature or humidity are off, they may be digging to find a safe place to live.Check the levels.If they are at the right levels, your crab is more than likely digging to find a new home.
Step 3: If your crab isn't as active, note it.
Lethargy and lengthy periods of rest are normal.Your hermit crab will most likely rest before and after the process.
Step 4: Look at your crab for any changes.
Crabs go through a number of physical changes leading up to their next stage of development, and it can be helpful to know when this is going to happen.There is a chance that your crab may switch shells.Some people prepare for a growth spurt by changing to larger shells.The switch into a smaller shell will make digging to a safe level easier.The skeletons may look dull, ashy, or discolored.Setae are toenails and hair.If there is a film over the crabs eyes, they may appear glassy.The antennae is moving in a confused pattern.If your crab has lost a limb, he may begin to grow new limbs inside a gel-like sack.The scent of your crab may be ammonia-like.
Step 5: If you think your crab is getting old, you should isolated it.
If you learn the signs that your crab is going to change shape, it may be a good idea to intervene early.Put your crab in an isolation tank for a few days or a week if you notice that it's getting older.It is a good idea to return it to the main tank if it doesn't show any signs of maturing.Leave it isolated until it is ready to leave.
Step 6: You can estimate the length and the Frequency.
The size of the crab can be used to predict how often it will break.A chart of average molting times will show you when to expect it.Micro or tiny hermit crabs can take up to 4 weeks to fully emerge from their shells.The small crabs will take 2 to 3 weeks to complete their transformation.Medium hermit crabs need 3 to 6 weeks every 2 to 5 months to complete their transformation.Large hermit crabs need up to 8 weeks every 4 to 10 months to complete their transformation.Extra large hermit crabs need at least 6 to 8 weeks every 10 to 12 months to complete their transformation.hermit crabs need 8 to 16 weeks every 12 to 24 months to complete their transformation.
Step 7: Keep a journal.
Every crab is different, but adult hermit crabs usually lose their shells in May and September.It is a good idea to keep a journal of each of your crabs.
Step 8: You will need to set up your food.
Use coconut fiber, play sand, or baked beach sand to create a crab habitat.The height of your largest crab should be at least three times deeper.If you want to create a hole in the sand without the sides caving in, you have to add water one cup at a time and stir it through sand.
Step 9: The temperature must be between 70 and 75 degrees.
There is a heating lamp on one side of the tank.If your crabs need to move to a cooler temperature, this will allow them to.Crabs can freeze to death or dry out if the temperature is above or below this range.
Step 10: Keep the humidity in the tank between 70% and 75%.
This makes the crab comfortable and moist.The crab can drown if you don't have enough humidity.It is better to aim for lower humidity and provide your crab with a number of soaking pools that will allow them to add humidity whenever necessary.
Step 11: Feed your crab high quality foods.
Your crab needs these added vitamins and minerals.The hermit crab needs a lot of energy.Growing a new exoskeleton requires a lot of calcium.Feed your crab a lot of meat and nuts.Increased levels of calcium are provided by Shells, Spinach, and Shrimp.Calcium can be added to food.
Step 12: Give crabs regular and salt water in containers deep enough to submerge them, but not so deep that they can't get out.
If you have a variety of sizes of crab, you may want to provide a bigger, deeper soaking pool with rocks, nets or other objects the smaller crabs can use to climb in and out of.
Step 13: Your crab should be isolated in a tank.
The tank should have the proper temperature and humidity, as well as food and water.The crab will not stay here for long, so this tank does not need to be large.It should have enough food, water, and salt water for your crab to dig down to protect itself.
Step 14: Protect your crab.
If you don't isolated your crab, it can get into fights with other crabs, which can result in injury or death.There are other crabs nearby in the wild.There are a number of ways you can protect your crab if you are unable to safely remove it.To separate your crab, use a plastic bottle.The bottle can be used to make a dome.The lid should be removed to allow air for your crab.If you can, put the bottle over the crab at the bottom of the tank.Crabs cannot climb over or under the divider if it is placed in the tank that goes from the top to the bottom.If you can't isolated the crab within the shared habitat, move non-molting crabs into a separate tank.
Step 15: The crab is in the sand.
The level of water is needed to complete a safe and healthy molt.There will be at least one or two sprays a day.Make sure your crab stays hydrated for optimal comfort.
Step 16: Give your crab some privacy while it's on the move.
Don't dig up your crab if they've been underground for a while.Don't disturb them if they're isolated from other crabs.
Step 17: Don't let your crab get caught during surface molt.
If a molt occurs suddenly, crabs may not be able to protect themselves in time.It is important to separate them from other crabs when this occurs.If you want to remove the other crabs, try the bottle or divider method.
Step 18: Allow your crab to do its own thing.
Crabs can take up to three months to change color.If your crab is still evolving after the expected time, leave it be.It is safer to leave the dead crab in the water for several months than to attempt to move it.
Step 19: The crab is sensitive and needs protection.
Your crab will be soft and sticky.This can cause harm if you touch or mist the crab.
Step 20: Save the crab.
Once your crab has broken free from its shell and is mobile again, it will eat all or part of it's shell in order to build a new one.
Step 21: The appropriate food and water should be given.
During this post-molt time, you should have enough unsalted and salt water for your crab to drink and soak in, as well as a large amount of foods high in calcium and vitamins.
Step 22: Return your crab to the main tank
If your crab regains its full range of movement, you can move it back to the main tank.You will need to keep an eye on the crab for several hours after you return it to the main tank.If the other crabs crawl on top of the new crab, you can place them in the water to remove the scent.At night, your crab may emerge from the main tank to eat and drink.This is normal.If the other crabs are bothering the buried crab, you shouldolate it.
Step 23: Offer different types of shells.
Shells that are broken or damaged should not be offered.It is important that your crab has lots of options to ensure its comfort and reduce the risk for aggressive behavior.If you want to protect your crab, boil it.Provide natural shells.If you have a crab, avoid painted shells.It is okay for your crab to go back into his shell.It guarantees that your crab will be able to find a shell that fits comfortably if you offer choices.