Giant African snails are native to East Africa but have adapted to living in many other places because they are an invasive species. They can reach 25 cm in length. In countries where it is legally possible to keep them, they are ideal pets because they require little attention and are very beautiful to look at. If you decide to buy an African giant snail, you need to give it a home, take care of its hygiene and regularly feed it with fresh vegetables.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Giving the African Giant Snail a Home
Step 1. Find an aquarium with a lid that closes tightly
Snails need good ventilation, but it is equally important that the lid of their cage closes tightly, as they will escape if given the chance. You can use an aquarium or a plastic or glass container with a firm seal.
- Avoid wooden containers, as splinters can hurt snails.
- To accommodate two snails, the container must be at least 65cm x 45cm x 40cm large.
- You can keep a snail alone or a couple. However, bear in mind that these animals are hermaphrodites, so if you keep more than one, snails will likely be born.
Step 2. Add the substrate
This material is the bottom of the terrarium that snails need to live well. These animals like the soil, but you have to use peat-free compost. Do not take soil from your garden, as it may contain chemicals that are harmful to snails.
- Use 2.5-5cm of material.
- Since snails like to burrow, you should create a deeper area of the terrarium for them to do. It is also a good idea to put a hiding place inside for the animals to shelter.
Step 3. Moisten the substrate
For snails to be happy, the compost must be moist, but not soggy. Wet it with a spray.
Spray some water inside the terrarium every day to wet the soil and keep the humidity right for the environment
Step 4. Keep the snails warm
These animals like a temperature of around 21 ° C - 23 ° C. The best way to turn up the temperature (if it's not hot enough) is to place a heated mat under half of the terrarium. Make sure you only heat half of the cage, so the snails can reach a cooler area if they wish.
Measure the temperature in the terrarium with a thermometer. The African giant snail needs an environment between 18 ° C and 29 ° C
Step 5. Make sure the cage gets indirect sunlight
Snails need light to be happy. However, it is better that the rays do not come directly. Full light is too bright for these animals, which will always try to hide.
Step 6. Notice if the snails are unhappy
If these animals do not like the conditions of their new home, they usually close themselves in their shells. Often, they hide because the environment is not warm enough. After correcting the problem, encourage the snail to go outside by bathing it in hot water.
Gently place it in a bowl filled with water, scrubbing it with a soft cloth
Part 2 of 3: Maintain Hygiene
Step 1. Clean the cage when it looks dirty
When you notice the terrarium getting dirty, it's time to clean it. You can do this by wiping a wet cloth over the walls and lid.
Step 2. Change the substrate weekly
The soil gets dirty over time, because snails use it as a toilet. This means that you have to change it often. Once a week, throw out the old dirt and replace it with a new, clean bottom.
Step 3. Clean the cage once a month
From time to time, you need to clean the terrarium completely. Do this at least once a month, although some people do it weekly. Remove everything from the cage and scrub it well with warm water.
Do not use detergents or disinfectants, as snails will absorb them through the skin
Step 4. Bathe the snails once a month
These animals need regular baths, but not more than once a month. Remember that they absorb substances through the skin, so don't use soap. Just put them in warm water, rubbing them gently with a soft cloth.
Step 5. Wash your hands well
After touching the snails or their environment, you need to wash your hands well. Scrub them with soap under water for at least 20 seconds before rinsing off.
Although the risk is low, snails can transmit some parasites. Washing your hands well is important to avoid these risks
Part 3 of 3: Feeding the Snails
Step 1. Choose fresh fruits and vegetables
Giant African snails eat all vegetarian foods, but fresh produce is the best choice. Start with lettuce, cucumbers, apples, bananas, and kale. Also try corn and peppers, as well as zucchini, grapes, cantaloupe, watercress, and spinach.
- Always check foods and throw them away when they go bad.
- Avoid onions, pasta (foods that contain starch) and anything that contains salt.
Step 2. Wash the snail food thoroughly
Make sure you scrub the foods you plan to feed your pets well and remove all pesticides so the snails don't eat them.
Step 3. Use a small water bowl
Place a low saucer in the snail cage for them to drink from. This water will also make the terrarium more humid. Make sure you change it once a day.
Step 4. Kick the snail
These animals need a constant source of calcium to maintain their shells. The easiest way to provide this is to place a cuttlefish bone in the cage, which you can find in almost any pet store. As an alternative, you can use chopped (cleaned) eggshells or chopped oyster shells.
If snails don't like the sources of calcium you put in the cage, you can find calcium to sprinkle on top of regular foods
Advice
- Wet your hands before picking up a snail. Slide your hand under the animal from the front.
- Do not take a snail by the shell, especially when it is young. You could damage or even completely peel off the shell.
- Make sure that the temperature of the terrarium is constant and suitable for the species of snail you have purchased. An incorrect or often changing temperature can cause scarring and damage to the shell.
