Land snails can be friendly, relatively low-need pets. They require a humid environment, a diet rich in minerals and vegetables. Since they are sociable, you can keep more than one. If you give them a comfortable home and take good care of them, they can live for many years and may have fewer health problems.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Create a House
Step 1. Choose a snail terrarium
These animals tend to live in a humid, harmless environment, so make their home in a glass or plastic container, which should be well-ventilated, escape-proof, large enough for them to be comfortable, easily movable, and cleanable. Consider the following factors:
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Snails need a lot of space to move. A container for a small or medium fish usually suffices. If you have more than one or have African snails, which are larger, choose a larger one.
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Snails can lift 10-50 times their weight, which means the container will need to have a tight lid.
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Snails need a lot of ventilation, don't choose an airtight container. You can use a plastic one designed to hold food, but pierce the top of it.
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Snails need light, so don't use an opaque container. Choose one made of plastic or clear glass.
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Snails can eat cardboard, so don't choose a container made of a chewable material.
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Step 2. Create the substrate suitable for snails, which will need to be sterilized and free from pesticides
Taking soil from your garden is not recommended, as the substances it contains could be harmful to snails. Here are some options:
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Clayey earth. It retains moisture well but drains just as effectively. If you want to include live plants, make sure this land favors their growth.
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Humus, also called compost. It is a nutrient-rich substrate for both snails and live plants.
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Peat. Snails like to live in peat; however, this substrate can harbor parasites.
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Garden soil. It is an ideal economical option for snails, as they will be able to dig it up. Make sure it's pesticide-free.
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Coconut fiber. This inexpensive substrate is a popular choice for snails. It retains moisture well, but also tends to harbor parasites and insects.
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Step 3. Enrich the habitat
Snails like to crawl, explore, and hide, so put in items for them. Avoid hard ceramic and stone ones, as these animals can slip and damage their shells. Choose from the following options:
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Durable wooden sticks. You'll find them in pet stores, as they are often used in aquariums for turtles, snakes, and amphibians.
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Cork bark, a soft material with hollow parts in which snails can hide.
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Live plants and typical of the natural habitats of snails. You can also opt for plastic ones, which are easier to clean.
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Step 4. Create the right climate
In addition to a well-ventilated container, snails need a warm, humid environment. The ideal temperature should be around 21 ºC - 23 ºC, but it can also be slightly higher or lower. The substrate at the bottom of the container should always be kept moist.
- If you think your snail might get cold in a certain room, you can buy a heating mat, which should cover about 2/3 of the soil in the container, so the snail can move around if it gets too hot.
- Keep the substrate moist by sprinkling water once a day (also spray it on the snail). Use purified or distilled water to make sure you keep it healthy.
Method 2 of 3: Provide Calcium and Food
Step 1. Snails need a lot of calcium to keep their shells strong and healthy
You should put a perennial source of calcium into the container. Cuttlefish bone can be found at pet stores, but you can also use egg shells. The snails will rub against the calcium source and absorb it over time.
Step 2. Snails eat a variety of foods, many of which you will have in the refrigerator or pantry
Every day, put some food in the container. You can use a saucer to keep it separate from the substrate. If you notice that it hasn't been eaten after a few days, remove it, as spoiled food can cause mold and attract insects. Remember the following tips:
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You can buy a food mix designed for snails or turtles. Fresh food contains more nutrients and is healthier, but you should also have dry food in case of an emergency.
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Snails also eat fruit and vegetables. When they don't like something, they don't consume it, so experiment. Try berries, zucchini, lettuce, kale, apples, pears, broccoli, beans, cucumbers, kale, etc.
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Avoid foods that are dangerous for snails. Rice, millet, pasta, and other starchy foods can cause them to swell and die. Also discard those containing salt, treated with pesticides and other chemicals.
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Step 3. Insert a bowl of water
Snails get a lot of hydration from the substrate, but they also want to drink water and bathe every now and then. Opt for a bowl that allows them to get in and out with ease. If you use one that is too deep, they could drown.
Method 3 of 3: Clean the Terrarium and the Snails
Step 1. Change the substrate often
Once a week will suffice, but if it looks dirty earlier, change it more often. Do this before it gets completely wet or starts to contain parasites.
Step 2. Clean the container every two to three weeks to prevent mold from forming
Wash it with hot water and a sterilizing solution, then rinse it carefully to remove all traces of chemicals.
- While washing the container, place the snails in a plastic container with a lid, with holes in the top for ventilation.
- Also wash decorations and food and water bowls. If certain items have degraded, replace them.
Step 3. Wash your snails often to prevent them from getting sick
Place the snail in a bowl filled with room temperature water and then gently pour more over the animal. Clean the shell with a soft-bristled toothbrush, but don't scrub too hard, or you could damage it. And don't use soap.
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Never use detergents to wash snails or their shells: they are extremely aggressive and could cause them to die.
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You can rub some sesame oil on the shell to polish it.
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Advice
- Make sure you always wash your hands before taking snails.
- Take them outside to allow them to walk 5 to 10 centimeters. Beware of other pets.
- When you raise them, give them some private space, where the mother will go to lay the eggs.
- Never throw the container away if there are unusual black bubbles on the top - they are probably eggs.
- Remember to regularly clean the container, snails and all decorations.
- Never leave snails unattended for too long - they are slower than you think.
Warnings
- The shells of young snails are very fragile, so don't pick them up or be very, very delicate. Remember that they may also be accidentally killed by adult snails.
- Snails die if they eat salty foods.
- Without calcium, the snail will begin to eat its shell.
