Shell issues/growth issue.

[ldablo]

Hi again, long time no see.
I have a couple of questions with my snail.
(She is an immaculata).
In the last few days I have noticed her shell seems to be peeling?
Little strips of the shell seem to wash off of her when I spray her/bath her.
Her tank is cleaned regularly and she has plenty of cuttlefish in her tank.
The room gets plenty of sunlight and her diet is varied.
Any ideas?

Also, I have noticed what looks like a growth of some sort on the side of her head.
There are the usual four antenae/stalks but there has always been a little 'lump' just behind on the left.
Lately it has seemed bigger but it retracts in and out much like her stalks.
Any ideas?

Any help would be greatly appreicated.
She is loved dearly and we want to make sure she is healthy and happy.

[Rachel]

if the shell is peeling when you are bathing her it migh t be an idea not to for a few days and see what happens, as for the growth sounds like its just her, sex organs, nothing to worry about, when snails get older they will start to get "excited" and experience growth of the parts, how old is she?

[coyote]

The genital pore is on the right side, not the left, though. I don't know what a little lump on the left would be.

The outer part of the shell, with the pigmentation on it, is a thin, membrane-like layer called the periostracum. Old snail shells found in their natural habitats are often white, because the periostracum has been worn away. I would imagine this might happen with an elderly snail in captivity. I've not heard it being associated with any kind of illness, though.

[Rachel]

oh yeah, duh *smacks head* sorry, having a dumb week (again). although it might just be on the wrong side?

[coyote]

I wondered about that too, that it's just on the wrong side. But then I wondered if the whole snail (genital pore, breathing hole, shell, and everything else) would also have to be a mirror image. I assume the shell in this case is normal.

[Dusk]

Could be the heraldic left and right Are you in front of the snail or behind it when you refer to the left side? Your left or hers?

[Rachel]

nooo! i is confused, now my head hurts, i definately am having a dumb week

[ldablo]

Sorry, the growth is on the right and, yes, it is the penis.
I probably shouldn't have kept touching it. Now I'll have to buy her dinner.

As for her shell, I have left her in a a more sunlight prone room (but not in direct sunlight) and it is already looking better.

Thanks for the advice.

I do have another uestion though.
She used to be kept with 2 other snails before I got her. All were around 3 years old.
I have had her for around 3 - 4 months and she is kept alone.
This morning I found eggs on her tank!!!
WHAT??
Do they lay eggs even if they are unfertile?
I would appreciate some advice on this whole egg business if possible.
Cheers.

[Dusk]

>>Sorry, the growth is on the right and, yes, it is the penis.
I probably shouldn't have kept touching it. Now I'll have to buy her dinner.<<

LOL!

And yes, they can store up another snail's genetic contribution until conditions for egg-laying are better (or, possibly, they're bored and/or want company). I don't know how long for (are there studies, anyone? Anecdata?) but 3-4 months isn't that long. Congratulations! You're about to be stepfather to a litter of snails from an unwed mother

[coyote]

I've had aspersas lay infertile eggs.

[ldablo]

What should I do with them?
I would like to keep one and hopefully give the others to good homes.
I would hate to harm them but don't want to be lumbered with them all. I wouldn't cope!!
Is there a snail place that would take them free of charge?
Or people maybe???
I wouldn't charge anything other than post and packing!
Heck, people could come collect them if they want!!

Could anyone offer any advice to a worried step dad to be?

[Dusk]

Immacs aren't difficult to rehome usually. You could try local pet shops, or here, or eBay

You don't have to let all the eggs hatch - you could leave a few in the tank and dispose of the rest.