Well, I suppose I will try this "flensing." I am afraid to try the scalpel. I don't want to hurt the shell--and I don't think that smell would ever go away. However, if anyone has any other ideas or experience, I would greatly appreciate it.
Speaking of shells, I have another question. Some of my older snails have little pock marks in their shells. They are gold snails, and the pock marks are not holes, but the area looks sort of...faded. I have heard that this can be resolved with nail polish. Has anyone tried this? I can't decide whether to use clear polish, yellow polish, or my sister's polish that changes colors in the light

. Anyhoo, your help is greatly appreciated. Thank you.