Double Moulters??? (and I am new to this)

Rochelle309 · Post by **Rochelle309** » 29 Apr 2006, 01:53

I have two PPs, April and Sarah that have been inseperable since I bought them. Wherevever one goes the other is surely to go. With this said, I came home from work and both appear to be buried. Just the very tops of their shells are sticking out of the sand. The temp in the tank is 78 and the humidity is about 82%. I have only had them for about a week and half and have spent a ton of money to make my crab-a-dise a wonderful environment for them. They were so funny to watch as they explored their new home (especially playing in the salt water pool). Anyway if they are moulting together what should I do? I don't want to dig them up to see if they are moulting. I do know that one of them came out last night and got some food and water because I saw their tracks in the sand that I purposely left totally unmarked just to see if they were eating and drinking? What should I be doing at this point? Help I don't want anything to happen to them I am already too attached.

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 29 Apr 2006, 05:33

never dig up a possible molting crab (learned that the hard way unfortunately). only dig up a crab if you notice a fishy smell, in which case one of your crabs may have passed away. i had some big questions with molting crabs also and i'll tell you what i was told. crabs dig for 3 reasons, because they're cold, they're playing, they're molting. sounds like #1 is not it. they could either be playing or molting. if they stay under longer than a week, they're probably molting. they can molt at the same time. there is one member here who has 15 crabs i believe and 8 are currently buried. as confusing as their behavior is to us, they know exactly what they're doing. sarah and april sound small, so if they are molting they could stay under for about 3-4 weeks. another thing you should know, if they are small they will molt every 4-5 weeks. you know that they have successfully molted when, about the right time, they resurface with black bands on their feet. they are like needles (i didn't know this until my first molter resurfaced, almost 2 months ago (he's back under) and i held him). they can go awhile without drinking or eating while they molt. their exoskeleton is full of calcium (very important) and after shedding they will eat that. after their new exo is hardened, they will resurface. lemi immediately went to the sponge when he came back up.

hope this helps and everything goes ok!

Rochelle309 · Post by **Rochelle309** » 29 Apr 2006, 05:46

Thank you so much for your input. I am just going to continue to replenish both water dishes (fresh and salt) and fresh food daily. When one or both of them surface then I will isolate them from one another. Keep your fingers crossed that all goes well. It really wont surprise me if they are moulting due to the conditions from which I rescued them. They had nowhere to hide as well as no where to dig or climb. It was really sad. The were just in a cage with a cardboard bottom that had a very thin layer of sand in it. They are now my little princesses and have a house fit for a queen.

iluvhermies · Post by **iluvhermies** » 30 Apr 2006, 00:40

Awww glad to hear you rescued them. Sounds like they are being very spoiled and pampered. WTG!!!

hermiesrokmysox · Post by **hermiesrokmysox** » 30 Apr 2006, 01:21

it all sounds good! *crossed pinchers*

is you sand deep enough for the crabs to burry all the way under? check curious!!!

lol

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 30 Apr 2006, 02:04

i agree! those were horrible conditions! where did you find them? i'm so glad that you are giving them the life they deserve!

Rochelle309 · Post by **Rochelle309** » 31 May 2006, 01:36

Well its been a while. April and Sarah are still under. April ended up coming back up for about a week and half, then going back under. They are both officially moulting. They left little air pockets next to the side of my crab-a-dise and I can see what they are doing. It is really neat, but a bit disturbing as well. Sarah has been under since April 28th I believe and is not up yet. Should I be worried. I saw her little feelers moving around early last week, but no sign of life since then??? April I can see moving around a bit. Being this is my first moult I don't really know what to expect. They are both buried under about 4 inches of sand. Will I smell the dead smell through all that sand??????? Hows long should I leave her under before I start to worry....... Help I dont know what to do? Though I am excited about my first moult I am also quite anxious for it to be over......

iluvhermies · Post by **iluvhermies** » 31 May 2006, 05:33

They can be under for a while. I have 1 that will be down 2 months on Friday. If you can shine a flash light up and see them and they move then they are fine. You should be able to smell the fishy smell if something has happened. I have 9 that are under and moulting. It is frustrating and exciting at the same time. Hope all goes well keep us posted.

Jaci · Post by **Jaci** » 05 Jun 2006, 06:55

i agree. it depends on their sizes. that's how i keep track of mine. wendy should be going down soon. lemi's already down for the 3rd time. bebe just came up from her 2nd time. they alternate. lol. i see all my crabs at once for about a day or two before lemi or bebe goes under again. kind of annoying! lol.

iluvhermies · Post by **iluvhermies** » 06 Jun 2006, 06:11

I have 19 now and 10 of them are buried. ! of those might be dead. I was moving the sand around where one I have has been down for 2 months now. Legs and like the body was a shell and I can see legs down in the shell that have the black tips on them but it was not moving so I buried it back over and I am gonna wait a little longer. It was a light fishy smell.