Shell damage & grooming

[misshershey]

OK, I'm new to the site--I just rescued a snail with a damaged shell. When he's up and about he seems to spend a fair amount of time grooming/rasping his shell near the damage. Is this normal? Is there anything special I should do to help him heal the damage? It's the outer portion of the shell that's busted up, the inner membrane is intact. I think he's a helix aspersa, but I'm not sure--I found him near NAS Whidbey Island in Oak Harbor, WA.

Right now he's contained in a Mason jar (I'm getting my old aquarium back this weekend for him) and he has fresh greens, some tomato, some pear, and some grass in his jar with him for food. I've been spraying the jar a couple of times a day to keep him moist and I'll get some calcium for him tomorrow. Any other suggestions? Thanks!

[kanin]

It's quite normal for snails to groom damaged areas of their shell. I think they do it in order to soften the damage area wich sometimes can be sharp or rough. Make sure he has enough calcium is my only advice. I would put in cuttlefish, eggshells, oystershell e.t.c. in his tank. When it's a wild snail it can be tricky when it comes to calcium sources as some wildcaught snails wont eat it as they are not familiar with it. If you have this problem you might try old snailshells from wild deasesed snails. Sometimes that helps.

[Deleted]

How damaged is the shell? Can you take a picture?

[coyote]

I recommend giving thin slices of cucumber. All snails seems to love cucumber above and beyond anything else, so if yours doesn't seem to be eating, try cucumber.

And, of course, calcium is important.

A pic would be really helpful to identify your snail and assess the shell damage.

[misshershey]

He is eating pretty well--he's enjoying the tomato and pear especially. I'm going to introduce some cuttlebone tonight and see what he does with it.


This is Harvey


Here's one pic of the damage--it's to the left of the cone.


Here's a little bit better pic of the damage--kinda looks like a bald spot between his foot and the cone.

[misshershey]

Quick update--just introduced a piece of cuttlebone and he's actively munching on it, at least trying it out.

[monday]

If there is a hole in the shell the main worry I have is the snail drying out. So regular spraying is a must. Fantastic news about it taking the cuttlefish, as some wild snails can be fussy over it. Liquid calcium from the pet store is another option, but it doesn't sound like you need it.

With the giant snails, with damaged shells, you can repair them with plater of paris and gauze. With such a small snail as yours though, it would be really tricky.

The reason for the rasping of the shell, is to promote even shell growth as the shell grows back...i wouldn't worry about it. Sounds like you're doing all you can for the snail.

[Deleted]

Sept 26, 2008 2:33:15 GMT misshershey said:

oh i see. it's quite a significant hole but it's quite possible that he'll repair it. Good luck

[bloodhawk]

would cabbage and dark greens work cuz they are supposed tobe full of calcium?

[misshershey]

Harvey is doing really well now--he's in a 2-gallon aquarium with lots of room to move around in. He's loving the cucumber and cuttlebone, and I'm hoping his shell will start to repair itself soon. Thanks for all the advice!