Hermit crab molting is a natural process, which is necessary if your cat is growing. Basically
this means is skinning shed its exoskeleto, a bit like a snake, damaged
or lost limbs to regenerate and grow as a whole.
The molting varies from individual to individual and may occur only once a year, for large crabs and maybe three or four times a year for small crabs. The method also varies in duration and can be anything from a few weeks to take a few months from start to finish. Though there are several signs indicate that the molting hermie are not far from the action, be aware that your pet hermie might surprise and skin unexpectedly, so getting ready to move a good supply of empty shells in it for him.
The original hermies molt in the wild, so obviously he knows what he's doing. However, there is still a stressful time for him, and it can be tempting to want to intervene for an owner to try and give him a hand. Please do not do this at all costs because he wants his privacy at this time and will not take kindly to dug out of a hole and are treated!
The best course of action, if you feel that your hermie about to molt or molting is a suspect is in sight, make sure that you offer your hermie with everything he needs for the duration. Some owners like a molting hermie in an insulated tank but put most pet stores sell dividers for the main tank, which makes life much easier, because you can just partition a section of, knowing that the temperature and humidly levels are unchanged. It is important to know that a pet can hermie at risk of other crabs be process immediately after molting, because it is soft and drained of energy, so that's why he needs to be separated for their own safety.
Make sure that he did., A good supply of moist substrate (play sand is by far the best) and it has a lot of depth, so that he in which they can hide a decent hole digging He can do without distractions such as toys or climbing frames, but it is plenty of food and water to stir up his tank for the journey ahead. A calcium-rich diet is important during molting hermie so try it some cuttlebone shredded or diced with his other regular food.
After the molt is over, which may take several weeks for a large hermie, he will still have time to harden again and his energy before he unites with his buddies again. It may seem a little timid at first, almost afraid of his own shadow, but rest assured that you will soon realize when things are back to normal. After his previous character has been found, and it is reflected in a new shell, then you can pop it back into the main tank with his friends.
I would recommend that you do as much as possible to read about hermit crab molting, so you can see all the characters and, when the time comes, you will be more than willing to look after your little friend....
