whitening shell

[jorge]

Hello, this is the first time im writing in this forum

We have had a GALS as a pet for six months now, we think it was an adult by the moment we got it.

we noticed a couple of months ago that its shell is going white when it used to be dark brown-ish. those stains are affecting only the old parts of its shell and not the new ones (he is still growing, we reckon)

We'd like to know if this is normal or it might have a health problem.

we'd also like to know if it's dangerous to take the snail "for a walk", we normally take Curtis to the backyard and he loves the wet grass.

Thank you very much!

[lizzie97444]

I guess the whitening part is happening becuz it's getting old

[coyote]

Sometimes the outer layer of the shell gets worn away. The outer layer is called the periostracum and it contains the pigment of the shell. Once it's worn away, only the underlying white parts will be visible. It is not harmful to the snail.

[jorge]

awww poor thing... thanks for your help.

We dont know how old curtis is, but not too old we reckon, since he is still growing. those white parts are simply not too flattering :-) i might be posting pictures of him soon, it's a beautiful snail!

[shannon]

Watch out for the birds on your walks-more of a feast to them than they usually get