Length of Time for Molting???
Length of Time for Molting???
Does anyone know what's the longest amount of time crabs molt?
2 of my Hermit Crabs have been underground since October. Yes, October. I'm worried they might be dead.
I won't dig them up, just in case.
The tank doesn't smell like anything's dead.
They're both 4 years old. They have never molted for more than 2.5 months.
I'm very worried.
2 of my Hermit Crabs have been underground since October. Yes, October. I'm worried they might be dead.
I won't dig them up, just in case.
The tank doesn't smell like anything's dead.
They're both 4 years old. They have never molted for more than 2.5 months.
I'm very worried.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
From what I've read it's possible they can take up to 8 months.julie71e wrote:Does anyone know what's the longest amount of time crabs molt?
2 of my Hermit Crabs have been underground since October. Yes, October. I'm worried they might be dead.
I won't dig them up, just in case.
The tank doesn't smell like anything's dead.
They're both 4 years old. They have never molted for more than 2.5 months.
I'm very worried.
raising son's dog, Dante. Husky/hound.
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
Raising daughter's hermit crabs, Shelder, Paras and Derek. Added 2 more of my own (of course) Pete and Stryper. Former mommy to 2 guinea pigs and beloved cat, Nissi
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
Yep, we had a trusted member who had one down for 8 months straight.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram
Re: Length of Time for Molting???
I have a crab that has been down since September. I'm also worried, but it's best to wait and see!julie71e wrote:Does anyone know what's the longest amount of time crabs molt?
2 of my Hermit Crabs have been underground since October. Yes, October. I'm worried they might be dead.
I won't dig them up, just in case.
The tank doesn't smell like anything's dead.
They're both 4 years old. They have never molted for more than 2.5 months.
I'm very worried.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
Try not to worry! I know it is easier said than done! They can come up when you aren't aware, and then go back down.
We are here for you to offer support! :grouphug:
We are here for you to offer support! :grouphug:
Truly blessed to have incredible creatures, wonderful friends and my amazing family in my life!! I'm very thankful & grateful for all of them! www.thehealthyhermit.com
Re: Length of Time for Molting???
I have a crab that's molting right now and he's been down almost three weeks. I know he'll eventually re-surface. I've been steeling myself NOT to dig for him.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
The older they get the longer they molt don't worry they could take up to 3 to 4 monthsjulie71e wrote:Does anyone know what's the longest amount of time crabs molt?
2 of my Hermit Crabs have been underground since October. Yes, October. I'm worried they might be dead.
I won't dig them up, just in case.
The tank doesn't smell like anything's dead.
They're both 4 years old. They have never molted for more than 2.5 months.
I'm very worried.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
Thank you all. I just couldn't imagine they would have enough shell water saved up for this long. I feel better now.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
They have a special organ on their body that stores nutrients and fluid, called a molting sac. This sustains them during the process.julie71e wrote:Thank you all. I just couldn't imagine they would have enough shell water saved up for this long. I feel better now.
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Re: Length of Time for Molting???
They also go into a hibernation-like state which slows their need for sustenance. Between that and the molt sac, they can survive months underground without dying of starvation and dehydration, so long as the substrate they are in is kept moist to prevent dessication.
Want to see all my crazy pets? @waywardwaifs on Instagram