Molting?

[msdiamonddawg]

I know these little guys are so unpredictable, but I was curious ... I've only gone through one molt with each of my two so I am definitely not an expert!

My Batman molted back in November. He came up like December 15th. I THINK he may be molting again. I'm trying to remember signs ... there was much digging, I think he was eating and drinking more?? Is it possible to be molting again this soon - been just 2 months?? Just wondering how many times on "average" they molt in a year. I know the little ones are more ... he's probably about the size of hmm ... well, his shell would fit on a dollar coin ... medium, I guess.

Also, I can't be 100% sure, but he might be on the second level inside the hut. There is probably only about 2, 2.5 inches of sand, but there is also a tunnel going up into the hut. It looks like the tunnel can collapse at any time. Should I be keeping an eye on it? If it does collapse, I don't want it to suffocate him. Maybe if I keep it spritz it will stay more formed - like a sand castle???? I just don't want to bother him too much, although, like I say, I'm not even sure he's there. It's the only hole I saw before he disappeared about 4 days ago ...

[Hermie's rule]

I hope your crab makes it through. Um, the tunnel might would collapse if another crab walked on top of it. Just keep on misting it and paying attention to make sure no other crab is trying to eat him. One of my crabs dug up one of my molters recently. Hope that helps. )

[nancy]

Hermies molt more often if they receive a good diet and plenty of exercise. Sometimes they just get in the mood to dig. Just keep the sand moist throughout the tank. The crab will let you know what he's doing. Good luck.

[msdiamonddawg]

I hope that means I'm taking good care of them then! I spritz the sand every evening, I just want to make sure he's safe in case he is under that hut. The sand is all pushed upward, and there is a big hole underneath, if you know what I mean, that's why I'm scared it could all collapse on top of him.

To make matters worse, I found Daisy chilling out in there this morning! Yikes!

[nancy]

I think you're taking good care of them. I think I would rethink the sand in the second level thing, though. I'd replace it with spagnum moss so this never becomes a concern again. My crabs love to bury in salt water sprayed spagnum. These crustaceans can really worry us, can't they?

[msdiamonddawg]

Thanks for the suggestion Nancy. That is probably a great idea and would cause a whole lot less stress for mommy! LOL ... Now I just have to live with this worry for another what, 5 weeks until he decides to resurface?! Sure, no problem!

[nancy]

I know what it's like to play the waiting game. I have a strawberry down. I don't know if one of the others could have eaten him. They went into the tanks at different times. I saw firecracker digging around the location where Spitfire is down. I haven't seen Spitfire for a month. I'm not sure what to do. So, if you don't mind, I'll join you in your waiting game. Take care and good hermie vibes to you and yours.

[msdiamonddawg]

After all this, if he's not in the hut, I'll kill 'em, just for putting me through this!! HAHAHA...just kidding!

I could use some company, so hop aboard the "waiting" train! Good luck with Spitfire. Hopefully everyone turns up happy and healthy in time ...

If last molt was any indication, I have until about the first week of April to hang in there 'till.

[nancy]

Spitfire hasn't been down for that long. Why does it seem to take forever? I can't see her because the uth is there. On the brighter side, we've been taking pictures of the other straws so as soon as I figure out how to get them on the computer it'll be better. In the meantime I'll just wait. Let me know if there's any news from your end.

[msdiamonddawg]

I'd love to see pictures!

Good luck to you and let me know about Spitfire too!