Build-up of slime around shell opening?

[Morel Solstice]

I caught a couple garden snails around 2 or 3 weeks ago after doing research for a few months on their care. However, there's one possible issue they both seem to have developed that I can't find any information about and I'm unsure if it's urgent or not-- they both have a buildup of slime near the opening of their shells. One of them has it pretty significantly, to the point where it seems like he's having trouble going back inside his shell and his body looks a bit swollen. I'm not sure if it's because they've recently mated or not, but I would love if someone could help me out with anything they know about this!









I'm not sure if this effects anything, but I do know that they both mated recently and also that they haven't eaten for awhile as I'm trying to introduce them to new foods and they're going through their picky phase.

[morningcoffee]

Oct 4, 2020 21:18:50 GMT Morel Solstice said:

I caught a couple garden snails around 2 or 3 weeks ago after doing research for a few months on their care. However, there's one possible issue they both seem to have developed that I can't find any information about and I'm unsure if it's urgent or not-- they both have a buildup of slime near the opening of their shells. One of them has it pretty significantly, to the point where it seems like he's having trouble going back inside his shell and his body looks a bit swollen. I'm not sure if it's because they've recently mated or not, but I would love if someone could help me out with anything they know about this!

I can't see any build up of slime in your pictures, the snails look normal and healthy.

[etana]

Maybe you are looking at his slightly puffy mantle? It's common for snails to puff up after mating, and at that size, it's nothing to worry about. I don't see any slime buildup either.

[Morel Solstice]

i'm new to raising snails and a bit of a worrywart, so any time I see any minor changes, i figure it's better safe than sorry to ask about it! thanks for your help!