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Post by etana on Oct 18, 2016 6:52:54 GMT
So after a whole year of hesitating, it seems my dearest Mauno and Maija might finally have laid eggs. Ok, I didn't see them mating, and we do joke that maybe Maija self fertilised when she got fed up with Mauno being so disinterested in having a family, but there are lots of eggs that can only be theirs. And maybe Mauno just was so gentle-snail-y that he didn't want to do it in full view like how my A. fulica do it all the time.  Some of the eggs are in a proper clutch in the corner, some are spread all around the tank. Last night I saw Mauno sitting on top of the egg clutch, looking thoughtful, and then pooping over them. I know some snails seem to be very aware that poop is good food for hatchlings (I've even seen a snail hold another, ill snail tightly and poop right into his mouth) so maybe he was looking after them already, and protecting them with his own body and shell.  Or maybe he just had wandered over there and had to go right then lol. Either way I am really looking forward to seeing if they hatch! |
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Post by jolovessnailies on Oct 18, 2016 9:54:24 GMT
That is so sweet Etana love. I think snailies are like us, some really prefer their privacy and others aren't too bothered lol! I think it is lovely how they look after each other and seeing a snaily poop in another one's mouth to make him get better is just adorable. I didn't know also that they will poop on the babies to help them get nourishment, I am learning more about these wonderful little creatures every day. Maybe he did get caught short, lord knows it has happened to us all, and had to poop on the spot. Good luck with the eggs love and please keep us posted Hugs Jo xx |
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Post by etana on Oct 19, 2016 12:03:19 GMT
Well well! Maija has sealed herself in her shell to rest, but now Mauno laid eggs! Strangely in the middle of the day, and with Iisakki as a supportive midwife - they stared firmly into each other's eye (just one lol), and Iisakki made an angry face at me when I looked closer.
I love seeing their friendship, funny as it is Iisakki is a more experienced dad-mommy even though he's much younger than Mauno and really Mauno was his mentor snail when he arrived here as a baby. I made them some spirulina lunch in case either is hungry after such hard work. Iisakki immediately fell asleep after Mauno stopped laying, but now Mauno wants him awake again with many eye pats.
I hope the conditions are right for the eggs.
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Post by etana on Oct 20, 2016 6:11:18 GMT
Interestingly, Mauno really goes again and again to sit on top of the eggs. That's not random anymore. Maybe he really does look after them.
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Post by etana on Oct 20, 2016 21:24:56 GMT
Maija broke her seal (a whole day after I found her sealed in and moved her a bit) and came out very disoriented and dehydrated looking. Poor girl, must have had some post egg laying exhaustion.
I bathed her and soaked more spirulina for her, but what helped the most was returning her to the tank and bringing Mauno to her. They patted each other for awhile. She started moving much faster and ran into the bath, and now she is sitting with the eggs. Makes me wonder...
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Post by jolovessnailies on Oct 21, 2016 9:19:20 GMT
It sounds like it Etana hunni, I love watching them pat each other. I am doing another shell check this morning together with a spot clean.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by GrandTouringShell on Oct 24, 2016 21:31:33 GMT
Congratz on breeding your achatina balteata.  |
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Post by etana on Nov 19, 2016 9:04:32 GMT
Still no babies, so it looks like this first batch may not have been viable. However, yesterday Mauno and Maija were sleeping holding on to each other's shells, and their cheeks looked swollen, so they may have mated again.
Also, they both AND Gaius the Tiger have been sitting on top of the previous eggs, which is interesting.
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Post by jolovessnailies on Nov 20, 2016 16:23:21 GMT
Everything crossed love that little babies are soon to arrive. Come on Mauno and Miaja sweeties, let's have some little ones Hugs Jo xx |
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Post by Zorst on Nov 22, 2016 9:58:40 GMT
Hi Etana and everyone, I get over the pnumonia and my laptop suddenly died completely and went to where all the laptops go in the sky, I'm currently on a very old borrowed Pc but at least im back again.
Etana I'm really glad to hear about Mauno's and Miaja' eggs, my fingers n toes are really crossed for you on that one. Please keep us posted.
Zorst
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Post by jolovessnailies on Nov 22, 2016 10:06:59 GMT
Hope you are feeling better Zorst love, you have been so poorly. It is great to have you back. Yes do please keep us posted Etana hunni.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by Zorst on Nov 24, 2016 13:17:24 GMT
Thanks Jo, I'm just glad that I seem to be through the worst of it all and can't wait to get back to normal life what ever that is lol.
Any news re the eggs / babies Etana?
Zorst
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Post by jolovessnailies on Nov 25, 2016 10:14:57 GMT
You are welcome love, I am glad you are on the mend.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Post by etana on Nov 25, 2016 21:05:37 GMT
Zorst & Jo unfortunately there are no news. I guess the first batch wasn't viable. I'm waiting to see if they will lay more and have more luck that time. The curious thing is that everyone sits on the first eggs, especially they themselves and Gaius.
I'm getting some very beautiful Margie babies in the same tank though, they're a joy to see. Especially the one who looks just like how Seppo used to be.
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Post by jolovessnailies on Nov 28, 2016 10:38:43 GMT
Sorry to hear this love, I am hoping a couple of eggs are going to hatch in my tank but I am not holding my breath either. Look forward to seeing the Margie babies.
Hugs
Jo xx
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Or maybe he just had wandered over there and had to go right then lol. Either way I am really looking forward to seeing if they hatch! 
