Watercress

[Randi]

Bought some watercress today - a little gift came with it - a snail. It's big. Would it be safe to put the snail in my turtle tank?

 

[Turtlepete]

Probably better in the turtle section of the forum. I'm not aware of any snails that would be harmful to turtles and if there are any I imagine they wouldn't be present in a fish tank where you get watercress from. It would probably be fine, though your turtle may eat it...

 

[Moozillion]

I've read that wild snails can carry lung flukes that can sicken and possibly kill turtles that eat them. I believe it is recommended that pet turtles only be fed domestic snails.

 

[Randi]

Thank you for your advice. It was my first time purchasing watercress for my tortoise and since the snail was for the turtle, I posted here. I am nervous of snails that I have not raised or owned for awhile carrying something. Regelus kept chasing it along the waterline and took its shell off. It created a yellow-white foam that stuck to his mouth so I threw it all away. Cleaned all that foam off his mouth and he seems to be ok. I will probably just end up flushing any other snails I may find on these plants.

 

[johnsonnboswell]

Breed the snails in their own tank. Subsequent generations are supposed to be free of flukes.