Anyone seen this?

[oside]

3 times in the last week I have found this in the morning:





The first time it was early & I wasn't really awake yet. I thought my 7 year old daughter had stuck her gum there, at least until I tried to grab it. Then I finally caught this guy/gal in the act:



It was listed as a Mystery snail, started out the size of a nickel & is now about the size of a golf ball. My question is really about the eggs & how they should be handled -
Do they need to be out of the water? How long before they hatch? Can I move/scoop them carefully?
I like the snails actually - they do not eat my plants. Worst thing they do is dig into the substrate sometimes, uprooting shallow rooted plants.
TIA -
Matt

[oside]

I thought I'd share the link that someone on another website pointed me towards - found it quite interesting/helpful for snail info.
Apple Snails Website

I should have a bunch of baby snails in a couple of weeks - My puffers should be very happy!!

[oside]

Quick update -
I get a new batch of eggs almost every week. I've had 3 batches hatch so far, & there are 3 more "incubating". My dwarf puffers seem to love them. Once hatched, most of the snails pretty much dissappear within a few hours by making their way to the substrate (or ending up as snacks forthe puffers).

[Birdlady]

Cool Stuff there! You have very happy snails!

[nektyo]

Baby snails? Wow... Those are some cool pictures.