How to Tell If a Hermit Crab Is Molting

Hermit crabs molt periodically.

Hermit crabs molt, or shed their exoskeletons, periodically when they grow. Land hermit crabs will often display peculiar behaviors prior to molting, while marine hermit crabs typically do not. The molting process takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for land hermit crabs, while it only takes a few minutes for marine hermit crabs. Marine hermit crab owners usually do not even notice when their crabs molt because it happens so fast, while land hermit crab owners can often mistake their crabs to be dead during the process. With a keen eye and an understanding of hermit crab behavior, it is easy to know if your land hermit crab is molting.

Instructions

1. Watch your land hermit crab's energy level. Most hermit crabs will become lethargic prior to a molt.

2. Observe your hermit crab's eating and drinking habits. Many hermit crabs will eat a lot before a molt in order to store up fat and water, states Hermit-Crabs.com.

3. Know that if your hermit crab buries itself, it is about to molt. While it is buried, the crab will build up water pressure inside of itself in order to crack and shed its exoskeleton, states the hermit crab information website HermhtCrabHappy.com.

4. Look in your hermit crab's habitat for a molted exoskeleton. This is a sign of a successful molt. Your hermit crab will also likely digest the exoskeleton, as well, in order to replenish its calcium supply.

5. Look for a clear, gel-like substance to develop on the ends of missing appendages. This is also a sign that the crab is about to molt, as this is the time when missing appendages start to re-grow, although it may take a few molts before they completely grow back again.

Tips & Warnings

• Once your hermit crab has shed its exoskeleton, it will become temporarily smaller, soft, tender and more vulnerable until a new exoskeleton has formed. During this time, do not handle it, and remove it so that other crabs do not bother it, if necessary.

• If the crab has molted above ground, spray it with water daily to keep it moist.

• If the crab doesn't eat its exoskeleton, offer other calcium sources, such as dried brine shrimp, crushed coral, oyster shells or cuddle bone.

References

• Hermit Crabs: Molting Demystified!
• Hermit Crab Happy: Molting