Help...helix aspersa hybernation

[ravenqueen]

Hello. I recently ordered some helix aspersa from overseas and after a series of problems that I won't go into here, I finally received them. Two were definitely dead, and might have been before they were even sent to me as the shells are completely empty and there are no snail parts in the container. The third snail, however, appears to be alive and in hybernation. The white cover that goes over the end of the shell fell off and was in the container. The snail is still visible about 5mm from the entrance to the shell and does not stink. This is why I think it is still hybernating but I do not know what to do for it. It's been in my house for about a week at normal household temperatures. I've misted the soil it is sitting in because we live in an arid region and I wasn't sure if it needed more moisture or not. I would just leave it alone, but I'm concerned about it's protective layer having come off. What should I do? Thanks for any advice!

[coyote]

Aspersas like high humidity and cool temperatures. Normal household temperatures might actually be too warm for them (I've had that problem with my aspersas, and I live near San Jose California). Do you have an unheated room or a garage that is not freezing cold (I don't know what your weather is like in Colorado at the moment)? With cool temps (low 50s to mid-60s) and a moist tank, your aspersa might perk up.

I assume it also has some cover plants in the tank, plus cuttle or other calcium source, plus food including the all-time snail fave cucumber, ready for it when it wakes up.

Give it 2 or 3 days in a cooler place, keep the humidity up, and let us know what happens. I'm so sorry about the other snails in your order, but you might be able to revive this one. Best of luck!

[ravenqueen]

Yes, I sprayed cool water until the sides of the tank were dripping and sealed it off to keep the humidity up and he came right out of his shell. He's eating and seems to be doing well. It's been four days so I think he'll be ok. I have to keep him in the house as it's below 40 outside but I think the cool water helps. Thanks!

[Katie]

glad he's ok

[coyote]

I'm so glad he's going to be okay! The cool misting iis a great idea. Remember that heat rises, so the floor will be cooler than a spot higher up. Theoretically, the coolest place in your home would be in a north-facing room down on the floor away from any radiators, baseboards or heat vents. Such a spot might be the most comfortable for your aspersa tank.