Guide to Caring for Garden Snails

Garden snails are readily found and affordable pets, often found in abundance consuming plants in your yard. While they require feeding and watering every other day, they are manageable if their needs are understood. With proper care, they can live as pets for five to several years.

Opt for a container with ventilation holes for short-term housing. For brief observation periods followed by releasing them into your garden, containers like jam or pickle jars with holes punched in them can suffice. However, metal lids may pose a risk of injury to snails. Instead, use cheesecloth secured with an elastic band over the container's rim to allow airflow.

• Remember that snails can climb vertical surfaces and will try to escape if the container lacks a lid.

Opt for a spacious tank or terrarium like a Kritter Keeper for long-term pet snails. If you plan to keep the snail for an extended period, ensure the container offers sufficient room. Only small adult snails or baby snails can be accommodated in plastic containers long-term. Most snails require a larger tank to maintain cleanliness and health. Terrariums designed for this purpose are available at pet stores.

• Choose a tank of at least 5 gallons (19 L) to provide ample space for the snail to move around. For multiple snails or if you expect baby snails due to reproduction, opt for an even larger tank.

Ensure proper ventilation in the terrarium. Similar to humans, snails need air to breathe in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. The terrarium should have ventilation holes, preferably on multiple sides to facilitate better airflow. Some individuals have observed increased snail activity when air can escape through a small gap at the bottom of the terrarium.

Maintain room temperature in the tank. While garden snails can withstand various temperatures if the tank remains moist, they thrive best at room temperature. During hot weather, keep them shaded, and avoid exposing them to freezing temperatures.

Use terrarium soil or natural earth from outdoors. To minimize the risk of harmful substances like pesticides and bacteria, opt for terrarium soil from a pet shop. Alternatively, use untreated natural soil from a pesticide-free garden. Spread a layer of soil at the bottom of the terrarium, covering the entire base.

• Avoid using potting soil for plants, as it may contain chemicals harmful to snails.

Add a natural layer over the soil. Place a layer of sphagnum moss, peat, compost, or vermiculite on top of the soil. This helps retain moisture within the soil, creating favorable conditions for snails.

Add some flair to your snail's habitat. Incorporate items into the tank that provide hiding spots and climbing opportunities for the snails, enhancing their comfort and making them more enjoyable to observe. Many pet stores offer artificial logs for small animals to explore or short hamster tubes that snails may find appealing. You can also repurpose materials from your garden! Avoid using rocks in your terrarium to prevent potential falls and shell damage. Bark and sticks tend to deteriorate over time, so be prepared to replace them.

• Avoid using cardboard decorations, as they can foster moss and fungi, endangering your snail's health.

Secure a sturdy lid for your tank. Despite their small size, snails possess surprising strength and can climb almost any surface. A securely fastened lid with a latch will help prevent escape attempts. If your terrarium lacks a latch, weigh down the lid with books or other heavy objects.

Locate snails to introduce to your enclosure. Search for snails in damp garden areas, old plant pots, or other moist environments. If you don't spot any, place fresh vegetables in your garden and check later for signs of snail activity. Heavy rain often prompts snails to emerge, increasing your chances of finding them during or after a downpour.

• Garden snails are generally safe to handle, but it's wise to wash your hands before and after touching them to minimize any risks to you or the snail.
• If you prefer not to handle snails directly, wear gloves.

Maintain moisture in the tank using a spray bottle. Spritz water onto the moss, peat, or other substrate at the bottom of your tank whenever it begins to dry out. Ensure this material remains consistently moist. If spraying every other day isn't feasible, consider placing an ice cube in the tank or using a damp rag or sponge.

Mist your snails lightly with water. Regularly spraying your snails with water, every day or two, can contribute to their overall health. Pay attention to water temperature: use warm water in colder weather and room temperature water during warmer weather or if your home is heated.

Provide your snails with fresh, clean food daily. Most snails have broad diets and will enjoy a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Thoroughly wash all food before feeding, and cut larger items into manageable pieces. Some foods, like carrots and potatoes, may require brief boiling to soften. Always allow cooked food to cool completely before offering it to your snails.

• Some snails may also consume raw meat, raw eggs, whole grain bread, or soaked but uncooked oatmeal. Experiment with different foods to ensure a diverse diet and optimal nutrition.

Understand which foods may be harmful to your snails. While there's limited research on ideal snail diets, opinions among snail owners vary regarding potentially harmful foods. Here's a list ranked from most to least dangerous:

• Avoid salty foods entirely, as they can be fatal to snails.
• Starchy foods like pasta, rice, and millet may cause digestive blockages and should be avoided.
• Homegrown plants could be exposed to harmful pollutants like car exhaust.
• Acidic foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and kiwi may or may not harm snails; use them sparingly alongside other foods.

Provide a calcium source for shell development. Offer clean, washed sources of calcium, such as eggshells or discarded snail shells from your garden. For breeding purposes, consider purchasing concentrated calcium sources like cuttlefish bones or pure calcium supplements from pet stores.

• Ensure a continuous supply of calcium in the tank, replenishing it when depleted. Exercise caution with calcium supplements containing more than 20% calcium.

Maintain cleanliness for your snails. Use a toothbrush to gently clean dirty snail shells, avoiding the use of soap to prevent shell damage. Dampen the shell with a few drops of water to aid in removing stubborn soil.

Clean the tank monthly or when it becomes dirty. Carefully lift the snails by sliding your finger under their heads, then transfer them to a towel in a temporary container. Dispose of the old soil in the garden. Use a damp sponge with a little soap to scrub away snail slime and residue from the tank walls and base. Thoroughly rinse the tank to ensure all soap residue is removed, as it can be harmful to the snails.

• Don't leave snails unattended in small containers.
• Ensure the snails have adequate air supply; do not enclose them in a container without ventilation.
• When replacing soil and other tank materials, follow the steps outlined in 'Making a Snail Home.'