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'snails graveyard'

bren492bren492 Posts: 2
in Problem solving
I found a 'snail's graveyard' under an old sheet of metal, when I was digging at the end of my garden. The metal was buried very deeply, about 45cm x 45cm, and the area hasn't been used for many years. The shells were complete, but totally empty. There must have been about 50!! This is unusual or was it some creatures store cupboard?

Posts

  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I'm not too sure but I get these in my greenhouse too. I've always blamed our small furry friends as I find nuts and seed with them. Leave the shells out somewhere in the garden where the birds will see them as they'll be after a source of calcium like that at the moment to help with egg production.
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • Fran IOMFran IOM Posts: 2,872
    I found 10 empty snail shells in a pile completely empty but intact. Wondered how on earth it had happened. Seems very strange. They weren't covered by anything. 
  • bren492bren492 Posts: 2
    Thank you for your responses. I did wonder (hoped) it might be a hedgehog. And yes I have left them scattered about for the birds. I loved David Attenborough programme on 'Eggs' and about the need for calcium, specially the small birds needing more than their body weight. Thanks again.
  • SarSpudSarSpud Posts: 46
    It could be slow worms
  • JellyfireJellyfire Posts: 1,139
    It could also be rats, they make a tiny hole in the shell and suck the snail out apparently 
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    Snails do tend to hide under things like corrugated metal sheets during the day.  My guess is the sheet got buried and those snails sheltering at the time simply couldn't escape.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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