About to mate?

[snailsmith]

Hey guys, I have a quick question...

My 2 fulicas, Brian and Gary, have never really been that fond of each other - they sleep apart and just keep themselves to themselves - so I figured they wouldn't ever mate. But as I was feeding them today I noticed Brian had a white thing poking out of the side of his head (sorry don't know technical name!) which I know is the reproductive part right? He crawled onto Gary briefly and Gary kind of tucked his head away as if to say 'go away' and then Brian crawled away and the white thing disappeared.

was this a failed attempt to mate? Is it common for one to reject the other like that? Why don't my snails like each other?!

Any insight is appreciated, thanks!

[ness]

That's a tough question.

How old are they?

Snails can be unpredictable at times. I've had fulica who mate regularly and fulica who just don't seem bothered, even in the same tank.
That aside conditions can play a part too. You can trick them into thinking it's mating season by first letting the soil dry out just a little (but not too much) for a week or two, then raising the temperature a little and giving the tank some good regular sprays of water. This can put them in the mood!

As for not liking each other, it's not likely to be the case, don't worry. though I do get snails that follow each other around many just like to do their own thing. Many have their own favourite places to hang around when they're not eating.

The fact that you saw the white lump of the sex-organ showing through is a a good sign though.

Are you hoping to breed them? It's a lovely experience but finding homes for literally 100s of young fulica can be very difficult indeed!

[snailsmith]

Thanks for the quick reply ness!

That's good then, I thought they might be old arch enemies or something I'm not really hoping to get babies for a while to be honest. I only have a small studio flat so don't have room for more tanks, and the current tank is really only big enough for 2 large snails. Although I might have someone who is interested in adopting a couple so if they do eventually succeed I might save a few eggs.

[ness]

You're welcome. Ah no worries, I can assure you they're not unhappy living in the same tank as each other. Some snails never do end up mating no matter what, some surprise you one day by leaving egg clutches just when you think it will never happen! ;D As long as they are active regularly and eating, with normal growth then that's fine