Help?

[GalliantlyTrivial]

My crabs are both buried in the substrate. They have been buried for a long while, but I checked on them a day or so ago and they're both alive and well. It doesn't smell like rotting fish, either. I don't believe they're molting, because neither had molting coloring. Am I doing something? I've continued providing food as necessary, and continue to mist on the regular. I haven't bothered them too much, incase they are both molting. So far, however they just have. It been showing signs. Is this normal behavior, perhaps?

[DreaminginBlue]

I've heard sometimes they dig themselves down to de-stress. Are they new?

[GalliantlyTrivial]

Not really. I've had one since late December, and I adopted the other about a month after that.

[Hermias_mom]

You might try a post in the Crabitat Conditions forum. The moderator has a template you can fill out and then can give you advice on ways to improve your crabitat if it needs it. If everything turns out to be optimal in your tank, this can give you peace of mind that it's nothing you've done.. It's not uncommon for crabs to stay buried for a while.

[Hermiearth]

The crabs quite possibly molted before you checked on them, and they are hardening there exo's and regaining strength before returning to the surface. But never ever dig up a crab even if it is to check on them, it will do more harm than good. If the crab had been mid molt when you dug and accidentally poked one that could lead to disaster. Crabs will do whatever they need to do under the sub, as long as you have proper sun and depth they will be fine. Speaking of what type of sun do you use and what is the depth?


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[LadyJinglyJones]

^Agree.

What you're describing sounds pretty normal. Crabs go through periods of lower and greater activity. Some like to spend a lot of time underground - some may not do this until they've thoroughly acclimated to their new living space, which can take a few months - they were in transit for a long time before you got them.

Here's the template - I encourage you to fill it out, to see if any improvements could be made:


http://hermitcrabassociation.com/phpBB/ ... hp?t=46102

[GotButterflies]

Agree with all of the above. In addition to that, crabs are nocturnal. They could be coming out at night while you are sleeping

[PinchersAndShells]

I feel like I should also add that if you are moving the tank to check on them or digging I would not do that. Moving it could potentially cause a tunnel collapse and digging will cause a tunnel collapse.