Why is my Hermit Crab burying himself?

Question

If he is molting, then how long does he stay under? Do I need to do anything? Am I supposed to just leave him alone until he is done molting? Do I check on him at all?

Answer 1

it might be that he feels too hot and wants to dig to cool off, but its probably because hermit crabs just do that, its their thing

Answer 2

Sounds like he wants to molt! The best thing to do is just leave him alone...and make sure the humidity stays up.

If he's living with other hermit crabs, you might want to isolate him so they don't interfere. Don't dig him up - you can cut a large plastic soda bottle in half and stick the top half over him to create a little "isolation chamber" in the cage. If he's alone, you don't need to do anything.

Some hermit crabs stay under longer than others. I've found my bigger crabs take longer to molt than the smaller ones, but they do so less frequently. Basically, just try not to disturb him until he has resurfaced,  hardened, and eaten most of his old exoskeleton.

Answer 3

Hi! Looks like you already have some answers! LOL My advice, just leave him alone and he will take care of himself. Oh and since he doesn't live alone, I would do what the second person said to do-cut a bottle thing out and make a little isolation room. That way he won't be disturbed by the other crab, Lightning!

Bye!

-Nilyak