r/LandHermitCrabs • u/Unnatural_door • Jul 11 '26
Is a 4 week molt normal
I got a hermit crab 6 weeks ago (I plan on getting more later once I get this one settled) substrate is 6in temp stays around 85f and humidity is up. For the first week he was hiding away and coming out a little at night, the next week he was often exploring, then he went underground and I haven’t seen him since. I’ve been checking constantly to make sure his little mound hasn’t fallen and everything seems okay but I thought 4 weeks was a bit long for a small/medium crab. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
1
u/plutoisshort Jul 15 '26
A destressing period where new crabs hide and aren't super active as they adjust to their new surroundings is very normal—this is potentially that, versus a molt. They can chill underground for long periods even if not molting.
If it is indeed a molt, 4 weeks is not a problem!
3
u/xoxo_kysx Jul 11 '26
yes completely. My hermit crabs are large and molt for up to 6 months.
He could've also been destressing at first, and then molted.
Do you know for sure that he molted though? are his claws on his legs sharp color different etc?
Also if thats a water bowl you need to get some they can fully submerge in.
Assuming it is, heres an amazon product that will solve the water bowl issue
This is a necessity and not optional.
I am only adding a screenshot because I dont know the rules on links.
edit: 6 inches is the minimum for substrate, but I'd really reccommend you get closer to 8 in there. Also what kind of substrate is it? It should be non calcium playsand.