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Post by cindini on May 30, 2006 18:23:51 GMT
 I found an injured snail on the sidewalk about 2 hours ago. I put it on some paper (all I had) and now have it at home. I think it was stepped on, the shell is in bad shape. I now have it in a pyrex pie pan (I cut the paper from around him, so it is still on a small square). I have misted it with distilled water (the best I have here), and put some grass in. I have NO experience with snails, but could not leave it where I found, and was not sure if it is a hopeless case or not. If given a safe environment, can a snail regrow the cracked parts? If it has a chance, here are my most pressing issues: 1. What is the best water to use? Is tap water that has been conditioned okay? I am afraid that distilled water may be bad b/c it has no mineral content. 2. Do all offered fruit / veggies need to be organic? 3. Is coconut substrate (the peat alternative for reptiles) okay? Or should injured snail be on a clean surface for now? 4. What is the BEST food to put in front of it to entice it to eat? Thank you, Cindy
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Post by Paul on May 30, 2006 18:31:36 GMT
Sure, depending on the break obviously. They are very resilient. Either will be fine. They'll get what nutrients they need from food. I would suggest you supply calcium in the form of cuttlefish, or egg shells. They won't use it immediately but once the repair has started, it'll need plenty of calcium. No, but rinse them thoroughly. That would be fine as substrate for snails but depending on the damage it may not be worth using too much in case it sticks to the damage. I'd suggest you use some but pat it down thoroughly. That way you get the benefits of it retarding bacteria and fungus. Most fruit and veg will be eaten, but I doubt it will eat for a few days. It will draw upon it's calcium reserves first to start the repair. I've written more info aboout rescuing snails here: www.petsnails.co.uk/problems/rescuing.html#start |
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Post by cindini on May 30, 2006 18:47:01 GMT
Paul -
Thank you for the reply. And thank you for the link. I am so glad I found the forum, I had been typing in all sorts of internet searches to find out what to do, without a lot of success.
I have cuttlebone, so I will put some in. I also have some luttuce seeds so I will see if I can get some sprouted in time for the appetite to return.
In the last 20 minutes, it has extended its head a bit, so it is still with us. With the amount of movement it had earlier, I suspect that it has a pretty good chance I just need to watch its moisture levels.
Thank you, again,
Cindy
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Val
Archachatina dimidiata
Posts: 2,498
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Post by Val on May 30, 2006 21:13:49 GMT
Cindy, I will keep my fingers crossed for your snail, do keep us updated of his progress  Val |
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Post by cindini on May 30, 2006 22:57:23 GMT
Drat! I did not want to bother my snail (almost slug) rescue, and left him on that piece of paper. Well, he started eating it! I have slid the paper out and put in a bunch of lettuce. It is moving around quite a bit. There is a piece of his shell which is very loose, but appears to have some attachment to its body so I hope that some new growth will fuse everything together. I have not determined the type of snail. But it's shell was probably close to an inch big. It would be hard for me to NOT see it on a sidewalk, so I think someone either knew they stepped on it, or did it on purpose (but I am cynical). I discouraged climbing up the wall (still in a pie dish) and now it is upside down on the clear plastic cover I put in to keep humidity up. I shake my head. Apparently the snail is not aware it is supposed to be taking it easy right now.  |
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Post by Paul on May 31, 2006 2:06:46 GMT
That's a good sign!
I've had ones that retreat and hide in a terrible state survive so I think the chances are good for an active one that is eating.
Fingers crossed!
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Post by sezzy5889 on May 31, 2006 9:22:27 GMT
is its shell (or whats left of it) Brown? if so it is most likely Helix aspersa :-)
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