View Full Version: My Snail Had A Bad Fall...

Fishpondinfo > Everyone else! > My Snail Had A Bad Fall...



Title: My Snail Had A Bad Fall...
Description: Snail's shell is broken off


mouse27 - January 6, 2008 12:12 AM (GMT)
My snail fell off the counter and now his shell is almost completely broke off. Most of his body is exposed except for the back of it. How can I take care of him? What should I expect? He is moving around fine and eatting. Is there a way he can recover from this or is he gone? Thank you.

Robyn - January 6, 2008 01:48 AM (GMT)
I'm sorry about the snail. If the innards are still attached to part of the shell, mostly the anchoring end, he may have a chance. It takes a long time to regrow shell. The shell serves three basic purposes. The first is to provide support for the body. The second is to provide protection from predators (and sharp objects). The third is to hold in moisture. He shouldn't have to worry about predators or sharp things. The body needs some support which he might get from what shell is left. To help him maintain moisture, be sure there are some very shallow dishes of water in the container and mist him a lot. I'm assuming this is a land snail? Is that correct? Feed him foods high in calcium such as kale, broccoli, cuttlebone, and maybe even sprinkle his foods with some calcium carbonate (crushed Tums can be used) or reptile vitamins. I've had people say they have aquatic snails survive without any shells but I highly doubt that. I've had aquatic snails myself with partial shells but they've rarely lived long. Let us know how the snail does.

Good luck!

tlc - January 7, 2008 07:15 PM (GMT)
If the shell is broken but is still there can Super Glue be used to hold it together or would that disrupt the new shell growth?

And welcome to the board mouse27!

Robyn - January 7, 2008 07:25 PM (GMT)
If the shell is badly damaged but still intact enough to super glue it, it probably wouldn't hurt to try if we're talking about life and death anyway. The glue might effect new growth but I don't know for sure. I do know that turtles with crushed shells have had theirs glued (not sure what kind of glue).




Hosted for free by InvisionFree