Why We DON'T Dig Up Hermit Crabs!

It's a common concern we all face. When your crab has been buried for an extended period, it's natural to feel anxious about their well-being.

Is it appropriate to uncover them to check on their condition?

Rest assured, we have all experienced this situation. Even seasoned owners feel anxious when their crabs haven't been visible for an extended period. It's natural to be concerned about what we cannot see, the unknown.

In this blog, we will explore the reasons why you should resist the urge to scratch that itch. If you truly feel the need to dig, consider using a shovel to work in the backyard instead. Trust me on this!

Why is it inadvisable to unearth a hermit crab?

There are three primary reasons a hermit crab may burrow into the substrate: 1. They are undergoing moulting. 2. They are experiencing stress. 3. They are engaging in natural digging behavior for enjoyment.

The issue we face is the inability to determine their specific activity when they descend. Whether they are digging, destressing, or moulting remains uncertain.

It is well understood that moulting represents a highly delicate and perilous period for hermit crabs. During this process, they shed their exoskeleton and are left with a new, soft exoskeleton that is highly susceptible to damage from both them and other crabs. In addition to being extremely delicate, they are also very weak and vulnerable. Moulting should always occur deep within the substrate, away from direct light and potential threats, including other hermit crabs.

Excavating a moulting crab interrupts a highly complex process that should remain undisturbed.

Disrupting a moulting crab can lead to significant issues such as severe stress, limb loss, and, most frequently, death.

Crabs unearthed during mid-molt experience significant stress, which may manifest in symptoms such as limb loss (legs and claws detaching), abandoning their shells, and even mortality.

I have unearthed a moulting crab. What should I do next?

Proceed with the surface moulting procedures. For detailed guidance, you can refer to an in-depth blog on surface moulting here.

https://www.happyhermie.com.au/post/surface-moulting-a-hermit-crab-emergency

It is essential to immediately isolate the moulting crab. A plastic container with a secure lid is suitable for this purpose. Add a small amount of substrate to the container and place the moulting crab inside. If you find its shed exoskeleton, it should also be placed in the isolation container with the crab.

Ensure the container is covered to provide darkness and return it to the main tank to maintain appropriate heat and humidity levels. Once a moulting crab has been unearthed, it is no longer safe to re-bury them.

At this point, the only course of action is to wait. The survival of your crab through this process is uncertain. Surface molting is an abnormal occurrence and constitutes an emergency that requires immediate attention.

Your crab must remain in the isolation tub until it has fully consumed its shed exoskeleton, its new exoskeleton has hardened, and it is moving around its isolation tank comfortably. Reintroducing them to the general population prematurely can be fatal, as they will be vulnerable to attacks from other crabs, which almost invariably results in death.

I found that my crab was not moulting when I dug it up. Is this acceptable?

Unfortunately, it is not advisable to disturb your crab, even if it is not moulting. Such actions can cause significant stress, which may result in the crab shedding limbs, abandoning its shell, or, in severe cases, death. Crabs are highly sensitive to stress, and it requires minimal disturbance to adversely affect their well-being.

What if they're dead and I have no clue? I guess I need to dig them up to see!

If you excavate them to determine their status, you will either: 1. Discover a deceased crab, which accomplishes nothing, or 2. Encounter a moulting crab, significantly increasing its risk of mortality. Thus, in either scenario, excavating them leads to the potential harm or death of the crab.

Are there circumstances that necessitate excavating them?

In certain critical situations, it becomes imperative to unearth your hermit crabs, regardless of whether they are moulting. These situations include substrate flooding, ant infestations, natural disasters such as wildfires or hurricanes, or when relocating your residence.

If it becomes necessary to excavate for the aforementioned reasons, exercise utmost care and delicacy when digging into the substrate until a moult cave is located. Avoid direct contact with the crab. Instead, utilize a container or spoon to gently lift both the crab and any shed exoskeleton, promptly transferring them to an isolation tub.

Your isolation tub should contain only a minimal amount of substrate. During molting, food and water are unnecessary. While there is always a risk associated with disturbing a moulting crab, in the event of a tank emergency, it is preferable to carefully excavate them rather than risk their demise due to the ongoing situation.

What is considered an excessive duration for their stay below?

There is no definitive answer to this question. Some crabs may remain submerged for several weeks, while others can do so for months, and in some cases, even up to a year.

As nocturnal creatures, your crabs may emerge at night unbeknownst to you and retreat during the day. To accurately monitor their nocturnal activity, consider installing a camera in the tank.

If an extended period, exceeding one year, has passed without any sighting of your crab, it is reasonable to conclude that it may not have survived.