Help dead or alive

[mindme]

Allow it to continue molt. Although typically overnight, there is no timeframe

Do they go dead like during molt? I've never seen one molt before, I just find them after the fact.

Curious to know.

 

[vetteguy53081]

Do they go dead like during molt? I've never seen one molt before, I just find them after the fact.

Curious to know.

They appear so , but move very slowly as they spend time. The time it takes for a crab to complete a molt varies. As a general rule, the larger the crab, the longer the whole process will take. It is not unusual for an average-sized crab to spend about four to eight weeks going through the whole process, during which time it may stay completely buried in the sand. Some crabs, however, complete the process in a significantly shorter period of time, while large crabs may take longer.
Its best not knowing what is going on with your crab is to leave a hermit crab alone and let nature take its course during molting. Check on the crab from time to time by looking at it, but don't pick it up or try to help it with its molt