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Post by Paul on Jul 19, 2010 21:19:44 GMT
A long time ago I started work on software to track the family trees of snails. The idea was people would voluntarily enter information and each snail would get an ID, you'd be able to look up the ancestry of your snail. The problem was and is that it's almost impossible for anyone to determine which snail is the "father" and in many case the "mother" also. The system I designed was too exact if you like.
The alternative is to simply record which "pool" of snails they belong to. However, this has its own problems because we'd have to restrict registration to only allow people who have species/cultivars/variants in isolation or had organised specific breeding programmes. Enforcing that would be nigh on impossible.
If DNA mapping were incredibly cheap and easily possible on home computers then we could sort it out.
If someone could think of a viable solution that doesn't negate the value of the idea so that it still has scientific value, I'd write it.
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Post by Paul on Jul 19, 2010 20:21:28 GMT
I've found that certain species may refuse food for a number of days when you first introduce them and that may be the case with yours.
However, I've kept Cepaea nemoralis and they seemed pretty confident when introduced. The problem may be the heat indoors. Snails obviously react to heat and moisture and you've mentioned you've been spraying them often. Even though you're spraying them, if they're not very active it may be they think it's too warm. It's very hard to cool tanks down. I would just try to keep them in a cool room if possible - and spray your tank walls and substrate with chilled water.
Calcium is another tricky one. Snails have to figure out what it is. If you think of Helix aspersa - they are everywhere in the country with no great sources of calcium. They probably just manage to get enough out of the foods they happen to eat. So in my opinion, you're doing the right thing by powdering over their food. You could also try calcium spray.
As a last resort you could put some empty snail shells in - they obviously recognise it as a source of calcium and for many snails, perhaps those with poor quantities available naturally, old shells are obviously an important source. I say last resort because ideally you want them to get out of that habit, not in it.
Lastly, if the problem isn't your tank conditions but the problem persists, you could consider finding some baby snails instead. In my experience they adapt much quicker to tank conditions, including more varieties of food and calcium.
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Post by Paul on Jul 19, 2010 0:19:39 GMT
When you said rounded shell I thought you meant the larger whorls rather than the apex. It's hard to tell from the photos but if you mean the snails have a pointed shell at the apex, then they are Achatina and not Archachatina.
And I can tell from the picture the snail has the raised V so unless any new knowledge has come to light that I don't know about that means they are Achatina achatina.
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Post by Paul on Jul 17, 2010 14:03:13 GMT
Suturalis are supposed to have a more slender shell than ovums or the nominate species.
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Post by Paul on Jul 15, 2010 22:18:57 GMT
It's worth remembering also that snails can hold sperm - I've read information saying it can be up to 18 months, perhaps longer. The "mother" actually produces eggs and fertilises them on demand with other snails' sperm, perhaps from even more than one "father".
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Post by Paul on Jul 15, 2010 18:12:19 GMT
Yeah, it's called the "German hairy snail"!
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Post by Paul on Jul 14, 2010 23:25:13 GMT
Red/pink columellas can be... suturalis, grevillei, egregiella or egregia However, suturalis are much more common in captivity; I don't think grevillei are found in captivity yet. You'd have to use other characteristics like shell markings to distinguish between suturalis, egregia and egregiella. See here: www.petsnails.co.uk/species/archachatina_marginata.html#startJudging from the picture, if they have pink/red columellas I would say they are suturalis.
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Post by Paul on Jul 14, 2010 23:16:46 GMT
There was only every one issue unfortunately. It can be found here: www.petsnails.co.uk/IGS/If people have the time to do it, I'll be happy to place it on-line and maintain a email list if that is necessary.
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Post by Paul on Jul 14, 2010 23:13:46 GMT
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Post by Paul on Jul 14, 2010 10:53:09 GMT
Helix aspersa are one of the most prolific breeders so the information here should be fine: www.petsnails.co.uk/care/breeding.htmlI've kept them and they breed like wildfire - just give them a chance. Be careful though because you will be overrun. However, the good thing is that with them being native you can release excess ones back into the wild.
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Post by Paul on Jul 13, 2010 20:17:03 GMT
See this mite thing is really getting to me. Many have people have said that some mites are ok as they help clean the cage and that there are bad mites too. These mites and small and white and I only really see them under the cuttlefish mostly and sometimes they will be running around on my snails shells. Only ever seen them on the foot once tho. I think they are wrongly referring to springtails (collembola). Try poking them with a pencil etc. - before it makes contact they'll spring away; it's the easiest way to determine if they are springtails. Also, they have an elongated body rather than being fairly round.
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Post by Paul on Jul 13, 2010 19:15:17 GMT
What colour is the columella?
If it's red/pink it's likely to be suturalis, if it's yellow it is almost certainly an ovum.
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Post by Paul on Jul 12, 2010 20:46:39 GMT
Wow, thanks!
I will cut it down because I'm thinking if I can get it onto 1 or 2 pieces of A4 it's more likely pet shops will print it out.
Regarding the links...
What I'll do is put a number of more general links on the page. Or what may be a good idea, is to expand my links section or create a community section on petsnails.co.uk etc. and add that link to the guide. If people are copying it from a piece of paper to the computer, it needs to be a pretty simple URL.
That's not a bad idea anyway, having a community page. I've not updated that much for a good while, it'd be good to take stock and suss out what websites and forums are around now.
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Post by Paul on Jul 12, 2010 19:55:37 GMT
If you don't mind asking about it... It'd be good if I could use it as a base and make a few changes if necessary - my care guide is far too long Post it here, I'll knock it up into a PDF that can be printed and I'll put it on the website also so anyone can give it to a pet shop etc. Thanks!
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Post by Paul on Jul 12, 2010 17:00:51 GMT
I often get emails asking me to how to re-home x amount of babies.
As you all know, finding homes for hundreds of Achatina fulica and other very common species is nigh on impossible given how prolific they are.
As most people obviously wouldn't want to sell babies for food to other exotic pet owners, it seems to me that pet shops are not explaining to people that they must consider population control before they buy snails.
Part of my suggestions of places to start trying to find homes is pet shops. But I'd like to be able to give the people who ask me a basic care guide that also explains population control so they can give it to the pet shop to be passed on to their customers.
If we had one, and you noticed pet shops selling snails without a proper guide, it could be given to them. I can't see any reason they wouldn't use them - it makes their lives easier and if their customers employ population control, it would reduce competition for selling them!
So, does anyone have or know of a good, free care guide that is basic but includes population control or should I write one?
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Post by Paul on Jul 12, 2010 14:07:25 GMT
You would not believe the amount of time it takes to arbitrate disputes between people and I don't think I'd ever feel confident anything was proven one way or another.
I don't believe forums are the right place to do it for the reasons people have already mentioned. No-one would want to be a mod!
However, if someone felt strongly about it, they could easily start a website that publishes a black list - if they dare! I think what you'd find is that people who don't deserve a listing would end up on it, and then you'd have to allow them a recourse etc. etc. ad nauseam.
The other alternative is that if you've had a really bad experience, blog about it personally and let it be indexed by search engines. Anyone buying could simply search for the person they're thinking of buying from and then they'd see it.
I don't want the board to be seen as some sort of regulator that makes people believe their own due diligence isn't required. You should always do a bit of digging.
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Post by Paul on Jul 12, 2010 13:28:14 GMT
Hi,
Sorry to hear about Steve.
You're in the right place though...
This site should really be called petgastropods.co.uk because I'm betting most of us here are interested in slugs also but it hardly rolls off the tongue!
I don't really have an answer to your question - in the case of snails the mantle becomes detached from the shell and that's not really applicable in the case of slugs. It sounds to me like the flesh became necrotic somehow. I've always been led to believe slugs have a relatively short lifespan so it could simply have been old-age.
The care guide should be pretty reasonable as a base guide for slugs although I admit I have little personal experience of slugs. I wouldn't let it put you off keeping more!
Hopefully we can all learn from situations like these and maybe you can help someone else in the future. Also, there's a good chance someone here with more slug knowledge can help.
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Post by Paul on Jul 11, 2010 21:56:35 GMT
I wouldn't assume any mites are harmless ones. There are creatures you get in tanks that are small and could be confused with them, like springtails. What do they mites look like? In fact have a look at this: www.petsnails.co.uk/problems/mites.html#startAre they Riccardoella?
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Post by Paul on Jul 6, 2010 1:52:35 GMT
We've decided we need some new moderators. Quite a few of our previous mods are inactive or not around much and poor coyote has been doing all the work!
We have some names in mind but I thought it'd be interesting to open up the debate.
This isn't a case of the most votes wins, I'd just like to get an idea of who the members think would make a good moderator. The people we ask might not even want the job!
The criteria as I see it are...
1. Spends a lot of time here 2. Makes useful contributions to discussions 3. Friendly and easy going 4. Articulate 5. Diplomatic
So, nominations please...
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Post by Paul on Jul 6, 2010 1:45:36 GMT
I came across a copy of: "Studies in the Achatininae, a Group of African Land Snails" by Bequaert, Joseph C. for £61.62 Quite a hefty price, mine cost me $47 from a university in the US (which one escapes me). I'm not sure it's worth that but for someone who's been after it, it may be worth it: www.alibris.co.uk/booksearch.detail?invid=9307892926
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Post by Paul on Jul 3, 2010 0:40:25 GMT
I use a chiffon covering over a wooden frame lid. I've not had a problem with flies since and it's been probably 3 years! Also, I've noticed the better ventilation helps keep the tank fresher and healthier - it just needs spraying more - it dries out quicker but that fluctuation helps kill bacteria, fungi and mold. www.petsnails.co.uk/problems/flies.html#startI also keep woodlice and worms in the tank which help get rid of any unwanted food faster which would otherwise attract flies.
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Post by Paul on Jul 3, 2010 0:19:57 GMT
Ok, I promised to post publicly regarding this situation. I have tried to make sense of what has transpired...
As far as I can determine, the argument was a continuation of a previous one and one that has been ongoing on other forums. The problem with disputes is that it's impossible to know what really went on and exactly who was at fault etc. etc.
As moderators we have to try and keep the peace, and my post on the previous thread attempted to calm things down by basically saying everyone's had their say so let's leave it at that - it's up to individuals to make judgments as to whether they wish to buy from or sell to someone. Complaints and rebuttals were made - there's no value in continuing.
The real issue this time is that Rosanna123 decided to accuse somebody of something she herself has been accused of. To me, that is either the height of naivety or simply agitating.
We also have to look at the reputations of the people involved. I personally haven't been here much but I've looked through posting histories and spoke to the other mods. In light of these circumstances, I've warned Rosanna123 not to continue down the path she seemed to be treading and that essentially she is skating on thin ice. I don't wish to ban anyone but I won't have the forum destroyed by repeat offenders, unfortunately even if that means not always making accurate judgements. The last thing I want to do is to create an atmosphere where people think cliques exist and certain characters get favoured over others. Let me be clear, all the members are valued but essentially anonymous to me - I have to try and make the forum work well for the majority of people.
It's a judgement call on my behalf, however - I can't know for sure she isn't the injured party in all of this and that the misjudged post wasn't the result of anger. For that reason, I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt this time.
I don't want to restrict what can be said or create ludicrous rules that can't be lived up to. I understand when someone is aggrieved they wish to vent or to simply warn people. And I also understand that there are two sides, and that no-one could be expected not to defend themselves. What I ask is that you take a deep breath and use your head before posting. From an outside perspective, it doesn't help your reputation if you are constantly bickering and since most disputes arise from trading snails it's better to say your piece and let the common sense of others prevail. There can definitely be a case of "The lady doth protest too much, methinks". If we see someone always involved in disputes, alarm bells start ringing. However, when it's out of character for someone to say something, it carries more weight.
So, where are we now. Rosanna123 has been given the benefit of the doubt. People have had their chance to complain and she's had a chance to defend herself. Let's move on... I'd like to end on some positive notes. Thanks to the moderators for keeping things running smoothly, it's not an easy job and I don't have lot's of time so it's a huge help to me. It's appreciated more than they know.
Lastly, this forum was created to have a friendly discussion about our mutual hobby, from simply sharing our affection for these wonderful creatures to furthering our knowledge of them and making various species more widely available. Most of the time, things move along in that spirit. Let's keep that up and not let these hiccups get us down!
Have a great weekend everybody!
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Post by Paul on Jun 3, 2010 1:35:59 GMT
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Post by Paul on Jul 4, 2009 2:54:48 GMT
I currently keep worms in my tank amongst other things...
So far so good... I'd also read about depth issue for earthworms but it seemed to be more about the depths required to breed, with earthworms requiring a metre of soil. Most of my worms are earthworms (lobworms) and red worms and they've actually bred in the tank. The soil is a mixture of loam and normal potting soil, with a little peat and some soil improver (bark and stem etc.).
I guess the answer is try it and see...
Incidentally, I've not had a lot of time to spend on the forum or updating the website but I have continued keeping snails. I've scaled down and I'm now keeping smaller species, mainly so I can create a more self-sufficient habitat. I've had some successes and come to some conclusions and findings and I've made changes to the environment that I hope will prevent that retraction problem that crops up from time to time.
I think the next update on the website when I get time will be to write about this new set-up and to make a few modifications/suggestions to the care guide. At the moment, it'll be more of a discussion of certain issues than concrete advice.
So, watch this space....
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Post by Paul on Jul 1, 2009 17:31:38 GMT
I was just looking into whether you could see it or not...
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