|
|
Post by koppite on Jan 13, 2010 22:22:10 GMT
Hi team - 1 of my fulica's that i rehomed, looks to have a bit of a shell issue  along the edge where the body comes ot there is a patch all the way across that looks nearly see through abd VERY brittle, so much so that when i touched slightly a bit broke off anyone know the cause or what the problem may be, or will it spread to the rest of the shell? whats the best thing to do to make sure it will be ok or even rectify the issue, could it have been a lack of calcium previously - i recenly lost a small one last week from the same rehomed group, that one was the smallest one though regards phil |
|
|
|
Post by choco on Jan 14, 2010 12:42:58 GMT
Don't worry too much - that just sounds like new growth of shell. It's a good sign! When the new shell grows around the shell opening, it tends to be very thin and brittle at first before it's thickened and strengthened, and it can be easily broken or flaked off - that's why it's a good idea to be careful how you pick up or touch young snails as holding them around the shell mouth can damage their new shell growth. It sounds like they're just growing new shell, which is a sign that they're healthy and getting enough calcium and are ready to grow  Don't worry too much about the bit that broke off, it's quite common for them to get knocked about a bit and lose pieces of new growth when they're young - they'll probably rasp around it to smooth the edges, and grow themselves a new bit of shell to replace it Make sure they continue to have plenty of calcium available, and good food, and they should carry on growing successfully Hi team - 1 of my fulica's that i rehomed, looks to have a bit of a shell issue along the edge where the body comes ot there is a patch all the way across that looks nearly see through abd VERY brittle, so much so that when i touched slightly a bit broke off anyone know the cause or what the problem may be, or will it spread to the rest of the shell? whats the best thing to do to make sure it will be ok or even rectify the issue, could it have been a lack of calcium previously - i recenly lost a small one last week from the same rehomed group, that one was the smallest one though regards phil |
|
|
|
Post by koppite on Jan 14, 2010 14:03:31 GMT
nice one - Happy days - dont know why i always assume something is wrong |
|
|
|
Post by choco on Jan 14, 2010 14:12:29 GMT
nice one - Happy days - dont know why i always assume something is wrong That can be good though, it means you're vigiliant for any problems or health issues and hopefully anything that IS bad will be noticed quickly - which is especially good with rescue snails that might have problems from neglect or lack of care. I was constantly worried when I first started keeping snails, always checking for problems and fretting over anything that looked unusual, but as I got used to the snails and what was normal for them, I relaxed a little It's good to keep a close eye on them and be aware of potential issues, but try not to fret over them too much - they're surprisingly resilient little beasties! |
|
|
|
Post by feebix on Jan 14, 2010 16:16:27 GMT
Yeeeah they are aren`t they. ;D Worrying about them like this is how you learn anyway, as Morningcoffee says, that shows how vigilant you are ;D which is a very good thing, your snails are lucky to have such a caring owner.... |
|
|
|
Post by crossless on Jan 14, 2010 16:58:06 GMT
I use sometimes knitting needle or toothpick to take snails out off glass if needed. Usually I use knitting needle when they have foot in inside shell and you can't anyhow finger underneath them. When I had just tiny baby snails I used needle mostly 'cos I'm so clumsy anyways.  |
|
|
|
Post by feebix on Jan 14, 2010 21:41:39 GMT
Blimey ! A needle!? AND a clumsy hand?! That sounds like a baaaad mixture lol |
|
|
|
Post by koppite on Jan 16, 2010 11:23:26 GMT
hi peeps - apologies for delay, internet problems - thanks for nice comments, appreciate it i wouldn't trust myself with a knitting kneedle blimey, not steady enough......only method i use if trying to gently take them off the side is a quick spray with water, which has worked on the odd occasion i needed to do it.......but dont know of any other methods really... |
|
|
|
Post by crossless on Jan 16, 2010 13:45:31 GMT
I mean like sometimes you cant almost see any foot and if you have to get some youngster of wall, it's better me to slide knitting needle under foot than start to force finger (thicker than few millimeters knitting needle) there if someone has new growth I don't wanna break the shell if someone is almost "glued it self on wall". :/
|
|
