Question about Molting position

This forum is where you discuss issues relating to molting hermit crabs, including pre- and post-molting issues. If you are having a molting emergency please post in the Emergency Forum.
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BlueCrabAve
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Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:08 pm

Question about Molting position

Post by BlueCrabAve » Mon Apr 29, 2019 7:40 pm

So we thought one of our pp’s was down for a molt- he has been gone for about a week. I was just changing the food tonight and was picking up a piece of cherry out of a shallow hole and noticed the point of a claw and the edge of the crab’s shell just barely visible under the sand at the bottom of the hole. What is a normal position for molting? Don’t they usually create a “pocket” or are they surrounded by sand? I will dig him up and put in ISO if he is going to suffocate. I just put a clear disc that we use for food over the top of the hole so the other crabs don’t bother him but I’m not sure if this is just normal. I should add that we have had this crab for 11 months and he has successfully molted at least 3-4 times Image


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Last edited by BlueCrabAve on Mon Apr 29, 2019 7:40 pm, edited 1 time in total.

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wodesorel
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Re: Question about Molting position

Post by wodesorel » Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:42 pm

That looks like it might be a leftover leg tip from the last time he molted. They rarely finish all of their exo, and finding tips of claws and legs is common.
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Topic author
BlueCrabAve
Posts: 11
Joined: Mon Nov 19, 2018 10:08 pm

Re: Question about Molting position

Post by BlueCrabAve » Mon Apr 29, 2019 8:49 pm

Well you are right. I poked around with my little skewer and it is just a fragment!! The “shell” was just a smooth rock. He must be safely buried after all! Thank you!


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