|
|
Post by callaghanme on Jul 24, 2007 16:33:46 GMT
guys i got some african land snails from another keeper the top half of the shell is a brownish colour but the bottom tail part of the shell is almost chalky white is this normal also i found them reproducing this morning but if it was successfull how long befor e they lay the eggs many thanks  |
|
|
|
Post by Paul on Jul 25, 2007 18:00:22 GMT
There's nothing unusual about this. Shells tend to wear with age and the periostracum (outer layer) can wear off, more so in some species than others. With the apex of the shell being older than the lip, it seems to explain what is happening. The only time it is an indication of a problem is if the snail is not eating, as in my experience the periostracum wearing off is an indicator of malnutrition.
As for you question about eggs, snails can store sperm for long periods of time, at least 18 months. They may not choose to produce fertile eggs immediately. Also, the gestation of the eggs is hard to determine, because they sometimes choose to hold the eggs internally before laying. They usually do this when conditions aren't conducive to the survival of the eggs. As such eggs can hatch from 1 day onwards.
I think in normal circumstances, there's usually a period of about 2 weeks from mating to laying.
|
|
