now what do i do?

[crabmomma]

My crabs have been acting strange lately. Jeff had been burried for several days and i didn't know so i got him out to give him his regular bath(which he loves and thought it would "cheer" him up) turns out he molted that night a few hours later. I knew enough to seperate him right away but I not knowing threw away the exo but I didn't know he needed it to eat so what should i do other than offer him other calcium rich foods? and when should i put him back with his mate Chella?

[HERMEZ]

You really should stop bathing the crabs they dont like it- what you are seeing is a flight n fright thing........molting crabs should be left totally alone and undisturbed- the fact that he surface molted has me thinking that you dont have enough substrate in your tank....much to know about these lil guys I hope you read and ask all the questions you need to.
YES give him cuttlebone (bird dept) and other calcium rich foods (eggs shells - shrimp) the exo is very very important to the crab

[silver616]

Try not to worry too much...live and learn! One thing to remember for the future is not to dig up buried crabs!!! In addition to providing crushed cuttlebone for calcium, you can also offer crushed oyster shells (also available in the bird section) and/or mix calcium powder in with their regular food (I believe I found mine in the reptile section).

I would not put him back in with his buddy until he becomes more active and his exo seems to have hardened...I would guess for at least a couple of weeks!

There is significant debate about bathing crabs....I only do so when I first get them home from the pet store (in case of mites). Other than that initial bath, I do not bathe them again...instead I provide deep enough dishes of water for them to submerse themselves in if they wish.

Good luck!!
Oh and Welcome!!!