How do you get your hermit crab to come out from the dirt?

Answer 1

DO NOT pick him up out of the dirt. Digging under sand/dirt is a sign of molting. Look online and find other information on molting. If you are sure he is molting separate him from the other crabs if you have any right away.

Answer 2

Hermit crabs will hide all the way in the dirt because they are moulting, feeling ill, shy, or sleeping.

Moulting crabs will stay underground in the same spot for the entire moulting process, which may take weeks or months. While they are down there they will leave their old exoskeleton, eat all of it that they can, and stay there until their new exoskeleton is hard enough to dig their way back up. While they're doing this, they're very vulnerable and should be protected from interruption, including moving them.

If they are feeling ill, either tank conditions are unsafe or you may have just brought them home. If they are new to you, make sure the substrate is not deep enough for them to bury themselves all the way, so that they will stay above ground and get the food, light, and water they need to gain strength. Whether they are new to you or not, check that temperature is between 72F and 80F, and humidity is between 70 and 80%. Be sure they are getting 12 hours light and 12 hours darkness, and that the tank has what they need in it: hiding spots, places to climb, and a dechlorinated pool of salt water and one of fresh water that they can safely climb in and out of.

If hermit crabs are being shy or sleeping underground, you may have a shortage of good above ground hiding spots.

Answer 3

they burrow or nest to go through a molting process or just to get away for a while

Answer 4

You probably need to turn him back over. I can't tell much from what you asked but if he is upside-down while in his shell than turn him over. Hope this helps!