VERY deep retraction!! Not giving up on him!!!!

[Evil Angel]

My new Albopita's arrived last night, both retracted, gave one a bath and he is absolutely fine now, the other however I am very worried about! When I first picked him up he felt very light and I turned the shell over to have a look at him, and he was so deeply retracted I thought I'd been sent an empty shell!!! He had retracted 2/3rds into his shell! It was so bad I had trouble seeing him!

I gave him a shower but that didn't work, I then began filling the shell with water for 10 seconds, I kept trying it for about 30 minutes before he finally stuck his head out, not his whole foot, just his head, I tried putting a couple of drops on his neck to rehydrate him, and I also tried soft cucumber to get him to eat, which he didn't I'm going to try some soaked fish flakes soon.

I don't want him to die, I refuse to let him die! I don't care what I have to do! I won't let him die!!!

[copigeon]

Youre probably better off just leaving it alone for a bit - I never did understand the practice of waterboarding a snail. They take some time to settle in, its cool at the moment and posting will cause retraction.
Just give it a few days?

[Evil Angel]

It's shell is dry and brittle, no new shell growth at all, the best way I can discribe the shell is as though it's dead, have left him next to a shallow dish of water and cucumber and am hoping he will perk up over night!
He seems very shiveled up and weak, really hope he'll pull through!
Thanks for the advice!

[latebloomer]

I have found that new arrivals have been retracted probably due to stress of travelling. I have also found that it is best just to leave them alone to settle in. They just want to hide for a while in a safe place I'm sure. I know its hard not to worry but try not to worry too much.

[bugz2go]

I would just leave it to settle in on its own, it is normal for a retraction after transit and the cold weather doesn`t make it an easier for them. As for his dry looking shell, Albopictas don`t have a smooth textured shell like some other species so is that what you are describing/seeing ? A bit of fish food to tempt him out and time alone with other snails to settle in will hopefully be all he needs.

Regards
Paul
www.bugz2go.com

[Evil Angel]

I left him over night, but there was no change

I meant where new shell growth is, near the head, it's normally thick and almost fleshy looking but with this snail it looks completely dry like theres no new shell growth at all. He was out a while ago and looke ok, but retracted quite deep again a little while after, I think he might be ok though, thinking it must be stress of travel and the cold.. But it's his shell I'm a worried about, only seen a shell like that on dead snails up til now Might try getting pics, but it might be too dark in here for my phone camera

[Evil Angel]

First 2 pics are of the retracted ones shell, the 3rd pic is the other Albopita's shell, ones is much thicker and there is new shell growth, 4th is my retics new shell growth, just want to show you what I mean!









Is the lack of new shell growth a problem? Just hope he's ok! x

[coyote]

Fingers crossed for your snail. Let us know how he does.

[Evil Angel]

He was exactly the same today I water-boarded him and he eventually came out, stuck him on some mushed cucumber and he ate a little of it! Hope it gives him some strength! Just seems so weak! Poor little thing... Wish I knew what was wrong with him :,(

[Evil Angel]

He died I guess sometimes there's just nothing you can do...

[iloncia]

Very sad I am sorry for your loss.

[kaylaxsnailxlover]

I'm Very sorry for your loss

[latebloomer]

Did you contact the seller?

[Evil Angel]

Yeah got a refund for him, just wish he'd have got better though!

[doris2010]

So sorry for your loss. One of my fulicas has retracted like this and I am scared she is going to die now

[Evil Angel]

i hope your fulica is ok and doesnt die too! its such a worry to go through! hope yours gets better!

[latebloomer]

I'm glad you got your refund, it is so sad but it must have been his time so soon. He is at peace now, bless him.

[coyote]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Sometimes a snail will pass away in spite of all we do to take good care of them. A lot of times it's out of our control, due to genetics or some other unknown factor.

Rest in peace, snailie.