Molting is a process of shedding off the old skin to reproduce new and better ones. It is a constant habit among animals especially selected reptiles and specific crustaceans. Just like the famous skin-shedding snakes, hermit crabs have also been known to utilize the process of hermit crab molting. These creatures are the crabs you see at the seashore with seashells anchored on their backs. These seashells are their main source of protection and shelter. Other than their shelter, they also protect themselves through their pincers and their tough skin. Though crustaceans' tough skin may seem durable enough, here is a time when they shed it off to regenerate and protect themselves with newer and harder skin.
Just like any other molting creature in the animal kingdom, hermit crabs have signs and symptoms of skin molting. Before the process begins, they undergo preparations and anatomical changes to aid in molting. Their antennas stiffen, their eyes start to get hazy and they tend to move sluggishly as if they are near hibernation. When these changes occur, they are then ready to dig a hole under the sand to look for a comfortable place to start the undisturbed process of skin shedding. In the process of molting, every body part will be changed and limbs that were lost due to unexpected reasons will eventually be regenerated. By the time they come out, their bodies may seem fresh and small, as their skin is brand new. Since the skin hardening is still ongoing, they will eventually regain their original forms in a few days.
Hermit crabs are animals not meant for domestication or to be kept as pets, as they can never be tamed and they need to live in undisturbed habitats due to their delicate activities. But in case you have hermit crabs in your tank as pets, be sure to buy molting tanks at the pet store to aid in undisturbed molting. When you notice them digging a tunnel, don't assume immediately that they are molting. Other factors might trigger the behavior such as extremes in temperature. Keep in mind that crustaceans are cold-blooded animals and they need aid from some non-living objects to adjust to the temperature. One of the most important things they are going to need is the presence of sand.
They tend to adjust to the environment by digging a hole to make them feel comfortable. To assess if they are either adjusting to the environment or starting to molt, try to smooth a hole that the hermit crab dug and sprinkle a bit of water at night when he is underneath it. On the next day check if your pet surfaced to look for food to eat or water to drink. If so, then he might probably not start molting yet. If you see that the hermit crab didn't, then it might be ideal to transfer him to the molting tank. The molting tank will then aid an undisturbed hermit crab molting process.
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