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I stepped on a snail. Is there a way I can help it recover? (lemmy.world)

submitted 2 days ago by Seimhe@lemmy.world to c/conservation@slrpnk.net

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The shell is broken into several pieces, and I can see the snail's body through the cracks. There are signs of life, but it is not moving along the path anymore. I'm sure it's in shock now and I don't have confidence in its chances located there.

I've read this guide on caring for snails that have been stepped on, but I don't know if it's safe to move it now, if I have a container for it in my shared accommodation, or generally where to start.

I didn't even have a credit card to scoop him up and leave him somewhere safer. I had to keep going but I can return tomorrow and check if it's still there.

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[–] Seimhe@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

Thank you so much, I really appreciate the support. I was a bit too flustered to take in all the info I was finding and your breakdown has helped immensely.

I've just returned to the site after about 12 hours and the snail is currently still alive. It has moved to a side of the path that has some moist soil and some fallen leaves. I think I have time to prepare the things you've mentioned and then assess whether I should bring it here, or bring the aid to them: baked and crushed egg shells, washed leaves of nettles from nearby, and the cap of a water bottle full of water.

Here is a video recorded just now. Apologies for the shaky camera and as a warning, the image could be distressing for some: 40 second video on catbox.moe. If you can't access this site, feel free to suggest another location (preferably not big tech) and I'll reupload.

Also, a picture of the surrounding area:

In a nutshell, the environment she's in now could be as healthy than anything I can provide, but that looks like catastrophic shell damage.

[–] pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works 3 points 1 day ago (1 children)

Hmm... I think I would recommend trying to take her in vs. helping her recover in-place, given that damage. The damage would leave her extra vulnerable to predators and drying out, especially with the recent heat waves. I am far from a snail expert, but I do think this is recoverable shell damage from the sites I've been looking at, and it's a good sign that she's still here a day later. I think she's got a good shot of survival with aid.

[–] Seimhe@lemmy.world 4 points 1 day ago (2 children)

Okay, I've done that. She's in a box now with about 2cm of soil, some leaves to hide under if desired, some calcium carbonate and a thin slice of carrot. It's humid but air can get in. I'll keep an eye each day and see how she gets on. Thank you again!

[–] foxymochakitten@slrpnk.net 4 points 9 hours ago (1 children)

Please keep us updated! That sounds like a wonderful place for a snail to recover. Even if she does pass away, she'll do it knowing she's safe from predators, with all the food and calcium she could want, comfortably moist <3

[–] Seimhe@lemmy.world 1 points 27 minutes ago

I will, and thanks for taking an interest. She didn't eat or move for nearly two days now. I'm looking up ways to tell the difference between rest/hibrenation and death. But she was safe, sheltered and surrounded by the best of everything, so I hope that whatever chances she has that she's in the best environment possible. 🤞🏽

[–] pomegranatefern@sh.itjust.works 2 points 23 hours ago

I'm glad to hear it! I'm rooting for her recovery. Thanks so much again for taking care of her like this. This kind of compassion is really beautiful to see.