QuestionMy largest(golf ball sized)hermit crab just molted. But, he did not dig a burrow. He just molted on the surface. Well, when I found him I put him in a separate container away from the other hermit crabs. He has access to fresh water and food. The problem is that 3 of his legs are still stuck in his exoskeleton and his large claw is deformed. He is moving around a little. I don't know if he has been eating or drinking. Is there anything that I can do to help him or at least encourage him to finish molting? I have been keeping him moist, but it does not seem to be helping. I have had him for a long time and he is my favorite. I really don't want to lose him! Is there anything that I can do?
AnswerKendall, Unfortunately this happens. All you can do is dig him in his temporary home and keep him moist. You can soak him some tepid crab salt water a couple times a day for about ten minutes but, this will stress him out and he is already stressed from molting. Personally I would just keep him moist. Don't let him drown. That's about it. Sometimes you just have to let nature take its course. This is one of my favorite sites just for extra information.
http://www.hermit-crabs.com/molting.html I hope everything goes ok with him!!!! Let me know. Good Luck, Tina
