Buzz
Snails are wonderful, low-maintenance companions. They thrive in a moist environment and a diet rich in minerals and fresh vegetables. Snails enjoy socializing, so consider having more than one. With proper care and a cozy habitat, snails can live for many years. This guide offers tips on caring for terrestrial snails; for aquatic snails, check out How to Care for an Aquatic Snail.
Steps
Creating a Habitat
Choosing the Right Snail Enclosure: Snails need a secure, moist environment to thrive. Opt for a glass or plastic container that is well-ventilated and escape-proof. The container should be spacious enough for the snails to move around comfortably and easy to clean. Consider the following when selecting a container:
- Provide ample space for your snails. A small to medium-sized fish tank is usually sufficient. For larger species like Giant African Land snails, opt for a 30 to 40-liter tank, as they can grow up to 20cm in length.
- Ensure the container has a secure lid to prevent escapes.
- Provide adequate ventilation to prevent the container from becoming airtight. If using a plastic container, puncture small holes in the lid and cover them with mosquito netting to keep pests out.
- Opt for a transparent container to allow sufficient light for the snails.
- Avoid containers made of materials that snails can chew through, such as cardboard.
- Avoid placing the terrarium in direct sunlight to prevent the snails from drying out.
Prepare the Tank Substrate. Mimicking natural snail habitats is essential for their well-being. Ensure the substrate is free from pesticides and sterilized. Avoid using soil from your yard to prevent harm to the snails. Consider these substrate options:
- Loam: Loose and moisture-retaining, suitable for live plants.
- Humus: Nutrient-rich compost beneficial for snails and plants.
- Peat: Preferred by snails but may harbor pests.
- Potting Soil: Affordable and ideal for snail burrowing, choose pesticide-free options.
- Coir: Inexpensive and moisture-absorbent, watch out for mites.
Enhance the Tank Environment. Keep snails engaged by providing climbing and hiding spots. Avoid ceramic or heavy stone objects to prevent shell damage. Consider these options:
- Wooden Sticks and Branches: Durable options available at pet stores.
- Cork Bark: Soft material offering snug hiding spots.
- Resin: Heavy yet gentle material perfect for food or water trays.
- Plants: Choose suitable live or plastic plants for snail habitats.
Maintain the Ideal Climate. Snails require warmth and moisture in addition to proper ventilation. Keep temperatures between 19-25°C (66-77 °F) and ensure constant substrate moisture.
- Consider a small heating pad for colder environments, covering only part of the tank floor.
- Mist the substrate and snail daily with purified water.
Ensuring Shell Strength and Nutrition
Provide Calcium Supplements. Strengthen snail shells by offering continuous access to calcium. Cuttlefish bones or crushed eggshells are suitable options for snail health.
Offer Snail Nutrition. Snails have diverse dietary needs, often similar to what you might have in your kitchen. Provide food daily in a separate dish to avoid substrate contamination. Remove uneaten food promptly to prevent mold and pests. Consider these feeding tips:
- Try a mix of snail or turtle food alongside fresh produce for optimal nutrition.
- Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and crushed seeds, experimenting until you find their favorites.
- Occasionally treat them to bloodworms or raw meats, ensuring the absence of salt.
- Avoid starchy foods, salt-containing items, and chemically treated foods.
Provide a Water Source. While not obligatory, a shallow water dish allows snails to hydrate and bathe. Ensure the dish is shallow to prevent drowning.
Ensuring Tank and Snail Hygiene
Regularly Replace Substrate. Change weekly or more frequently if soiled or infested with mites.
Periodically Clean the Tank. Wash with hot water and a sterilizing solution, ensuring thorough rinsing. Clean decorations and dishes; replace degraded items.
- During cleaning, house snails in a ventilated plastic container.
- Replace degraded decorations if necessary.
Give your snail a regular calcium boost by providing cuttlebone or crushed eggshells in its habitat to ensure a sturdy shell. Without sufficient calcium, their shells can become soft and brittle.
Helpful Tips:
- If you notice unusual black bubbles at the surface of your tank, do not empty it immediately as they may be snail eggs.
- Do not underestimate the speed of snails; avoid leaving them unattended for prolonged periods.
- Regularly maintain cleanliness of the tank, snail, and any ornaments.
The insights shared in this section stem from the real-life experiences of our Mytour community members. If you have a valuable tip to contribute, please feel free to share it with us below.
- Before handling your snail, moisten your hands to avoid disrupting its protective mucus layer. Never apply soap or cleaning agents directly onto the snail.
- Ensure thorough cleaning of the entire tank every few weeks using a sterilizing solution to prevent the growth of harmful mold, which can adversely affect snails.
- Provide a shallow water dish for bathing and drinking purposes, ensuring it's not deep enough for the snail to fall into and potentially drown.
Important Warnings:
- Lack of calcium may lead your snail to consume its own shell in search of calcium.
- Exercise extreme caution when handling baby snails, as their shells are exceptionally delicate. Additionally, be aware that adult snails may prey on them.
- Snails cannot survive in environments with high salt concentrations.
