So, my hermit has molted.. what do i do?

Question

I know you are meant to leave them alone, in isolation (but i only have one atm, so it can stay where it is ha-ha). Should I keep the heating light on (coz its winter atm)? and anything else?

Answer 1

Congratulations on a successful molt!!!!!!!

The first thing that I would suggest is to make sure that you leave him alone for a bit.   Allow him a little time for his exoskeleton to harden compeletly before you pick him up.

The second thing I would suggest is to keep the temperature at around 75 to 80 degrees.   (And the humidity between 80 and 85%!)

The third thing I would suggest is to provide him with some cuttlebone (found in the bird section at the pet supply store if you don't already have some).  Cuttlebone will provide your hermie with the calcium he needs to completely harden his exoskeleton.    Also, a shell full of organic honey is also a great "energy" food for hermit crabs just following a molt or in a stressful situation.

The next thing that I would suggest is to make sure that you have additional shells for your hermit to change into following this molt.   Molting is their way of "growing", so he might need a bigger shell home now!

The last thing that I would suggest is to get your hermie a friend (or two) soon, since hermit crabs do well with others with them.    If you are ever in need of any hermit crab information, try this website  hermitcrabassociation.com!

Hope this helps and congrats again on a successful molt!

Answer 2

Hurry up and get its  shell or it'll die I knew someone who had a hermit crab and it died trying to get to a knew shell because he didn't give him his shell.