Snails - Can their shells fix?

[theanimallover]

Hi
Can anyone tell me if snails can "heal" their shells?
I've often wondered this when I see a half crunched snail...I wonder if it can repair the damage to it's shell.
Many Thanks

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, to an extent, you will sometimes find large snails with obvious old crack and dents which have recalcified - don't suppose it's possible for severe damage ...

Originally Posted by theanimallover

Hi
Can anyone tell me if snails can "heal" their shells?
I've often wondered this when I see a half crunched snail...I wonder if it can repair the damage to it's shell.
Many Thanks

[theanimallover]

Thanks for your answer, I saw one yesterday with a cracked shell and just wondered...

I'm always moving them out of the way as I'm first out and about in the morning with my dog - don't you hate that crunch

I absolutely love snails, I worked at a plant nursery once and the bloke used to smash them against the wall so I used to spend my days hiding snails

[demicav]

Originally Posted by theanimallover

Thanks for your answer, I saw one yesterday with a cracked shell and just wondered...

I'm always moving them out of the way as I'm first out and about in the morning with my dog - don't you hate that crunch

I absolutely love snails, I worked at a plant nursery once and the bloke used to smash them against the wall so I used to spend my days hiding snails

I also love snails. How would he like to be smashed against a wall ?

[theanimallover]

Yeah people are horrible, perhaps if he took the time to stop, look & study a snail, he might have felt differently, but I doubt it. Sadly snails, like foxes, rats etc are considered 'the enemy'...
I can watch a snail for ages (sad eh!)...

[twosoups]

I have a fat, old snail living in my garden who has clearly suffered a serious squashing at some point, and its shell has repaired - mind you, it ain't pretty! It looks like a bit of a botched job, but an effective one. I would guess that as long as the snail hasn't suffered any serious internal damage, no infection sets in and keeps out of trouble while healing, then heal it will.

I'm grateful for this particular snail, as being able to spot it so easily has given me clues about their habits and movements.

I love garden snails. Truly beautiful creatures. I have worked hard over the years to control my husband (professional gardener and snail murderer), who now perpetually moans about the snails eating all his stuff. I ignore this, other than to take the opportunity to remind him that they're all my babies and he's not allowed to touch them

[Rob_D]

Sorry but while I hate slugs far more than snails, I just get fed up of them destroying everything I plant in the garden. Wish the song thrush would come back and help, I could feed them for years.....

[hobble]

We have a snail that has just climbed up our porch window, I don't know why!!!

[thunder]

Originally Posted by hobble

We have a snail that has just climbed up our porch window, I don't know why!!!

There has to be a reason?

henrya

[Kayleigh]

I love snails too..

With garlic butter and parsley!!! Yummy!