Hole In Apple Snail's Operculum

[lfb]

My year old apple snail has a great big hole in his operculum. It's really just a rim left now and is hanging off. Is he going to be OK do you think? He seems otherwise healthy, though kind of hard to tell with snails!

 

[Bufo Bill]

I think he's probably like that because there is not enough calcium in the tank. Some places sell calcium drops to add to the water (snailshop.co.uk), but if he is in a tank on his own or just with other snails you could add a calcium rich rock like marble chips or limestone. This would be cheaper. I don't know if his shell would regrow but this will stop the problem getting worse. I think your main worry is if something bites him or if there is something to cause disease or infection.
Hope things go well, from Bill.

 

[mamafish68]

you know those tacky white weekend feeders, sometimes in different shapes? find some that contain calcium, i've fed my snails for years a suppliment of this along with my "snail trail mix" and their shells gleam and are strong. I just break off bits & chunks, they love it.