Generally, snails are seen as a nuisance by gardeners. In the vegetable garden, they join the slugs in eating the plantations and doing great damage. Besides, your salads have not forgotten their last visit! But you can’t help it… When you see a snail that has been accidentally crushed and survived despite its broken shell, your heart sinks.
Indeed, we often have the impression that a snail without its shell has little chance of survival. And with the torrential autumn rains they love, we suspect that these snails will have a hard time on our busy sidewalks.
Fortunately, it is possible to save them! It’s even really easy with this little trick that we give you today. Animal lovers, it’s up to you!
Save a crushed snail and take care of its broken shell
Injured snails don’t need much to recover quickly. The main thing they need is calcium to effectively repair their shells! So, set aside a “hospitalization” box where your snail friend can stay safe. Then, slip in a nice leaf of salad. To provide calcium, reduce an eggshell to a very fine powder.
Be very careful here, because the pieces could hurt it. In fact, we often use the pieces of eggshell to keep them away from crops in the garden. So don’t skimp on the mortar. Then mix it with wheat flour in a dish to put in the box. If the snail is in bad shape, sprinkle it around to keep it from climbing.
Saving a crushed snail with a broken shell can be a delicate and compassionate endeavor. While snails have a remarkable ability to regenerate and repair their shells to some extent, they may still require some assistance and care. Here are steps you can take to help a snail with a broken shell:
- Handle with Care:
- Gently pick up the injured snail. It’s essential to be as delicate as possible to avoid causing further harm or stress.
- Prepare a Temporary Home:
- Find a small, clean, and shallow container, like a plastic or glass dish, with a lid. Ensure that there are holes or some ventilation in the lid for air circulation.
- Create a Supportive Environment:
- Place a damp, soft material in the container, such as a piece of moist paper towel, moss, or a moistened, clean cloth. This material will provide a suitable surface for the snail to rest on.
- Place the Snail Inside:
- Gently put the snail onto the damp surface in the container. Make sure the snail is oriented correctly, so its head and foot are facing upward.
- Provide Food and Water:
- Offer the snail a small piece of fresh, leafy greens (like lettuce or spinach) and a shallow dish of clean, chlorine-free water. Be sure to replace the food and water daily.
- Maintain Humidity:
- Snails require a humid environment to thrive. Spray a mist of water into the container to maintain humidity without making it too wet.
- Isolate from Predators:
- Keep the container in a safe, quiet location, away from direct sunlight and potential predators, such as household pets.
- Monitor and Wait:
- Snails have an amazing ability to heal to some extent. Over time, if the snail’s injuries are not too severe, it may begin to repair its shell.
- Consult an Expert:
- If the snail’s injuries are extensive or it appears to be in severe distress, you may want to consult with a local wildlife rehabilitator, veterinarian, or a knowledgeable individual who specializes in snail care.
- Release or Provide a Permanent Home:
- Once the snail has recovered and its shell is showing signs of healing, you can release it in a suitable, sheltered outdoor environment with plenty of food sources. Alternatively, if you wish to keep the snail as a pet, you can provide a permanent, secure enclosure with suitable conditions.
It’s important to remember that not all snails with broken shells can be saved, especially if the injuries are too severe or if the snail is in poor overall health. In such cases, humane euthanasia may be the most compassionate option. However, with proper care and attention, many snails can recover from minor shell injuries and continue to live their lives.
In a few days, the snail quickly lets its shell fall and forms a new one. From then on, it can be released back into the wild!
Nevertheless, note that the repair is more difficult in snails whose apex (center) is affected… Unfortunately, its chances of survival become more limited. However, it is worth trying this easy technique based on flour and eggshell to help him.
