Question:
My land snail is not coming out of its
shell, I am sad because its might be dead. But how would I know.
So mum said she would write and ask, because she does not want to bury it
if it is still alive. It has not been out for a week. (HELP!!!)
Replies:
Hi Jessica!
i am not a zoologist but i am a grand ma and heard
your cry for help so i went to look for an answer for
you as soon as i read your message...
See darling. i think you must not give up your little
pet, not yet. See there are facts other than death
that can justify for it not coming out of its
shell.
1) she could be dehydrated. In that situation it
can either dug into the ground, or fall into a state
of estivation- a period of low activity resembling
sleep. The shell aperture is then closed by a membrane
made from dried mucus and the snail, with its
shell and everything sticks to a plant stem or else.
2) That kind of thing can happen also when the
winter comes to protect from the cold weather.
I see you live in England, how is the temperature in
your town now?
Anyway my advice would be:
1)leave the little thing alone where it is, nature
will take care and in due time most probably she will
emerge for your happiness... Usully land snails have
long (few years) life cycles.
2) in the mean time why dont you ask Mom to get you
another snail? Give us news will you?
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