How to Turn Garden Slugs into Adorable Companions

• House your garden slug in a mason jar, an old aquarium, or a similar container. Ensure there are ventilation holes at the top for the slug's respiration.
• Prepare the base with a layer of soil, then incorporate leaves, rocks, and twigs.
• Mist your slug's dwelling twice daily to maintain adequate moisture.
• Offer your slug fresh fruits or vegetables once per day.

Craft a cozy dwelling for your slugs. There are numerous options for a habitat, including a critter-keeper, a photo storage box, an old container, a mason jar, an old aquarium with a secure lid, and even transparent plastic boxes from discount stores. However, if opting for a plastic container, always remember to perforate or puncture holes in the lid to ensure adequate ventilation for your slug. Be cautious not to make the holes too large, as your slug may attempt to escape.

• It's advisable to have a backup habitat on standby in case one of your slugs falls ill or for use during habitat maintenance.

Incorporate natural elements like leaves, rocks, twigs, and sticks. Begin by layering the habitat's base with soil or dirt, which can be sourced from a pet store or your own backyard. Many slug enthusiasts opt for a multi-layered tank bottom.

• For instance, start with a layer of garden pebbles or aquarium rocks at the tank's base. Add soil or dirt on top of this layer, followed by a thin covering of grass or leaves.
• Ensure there are hiding spots available for your slug when it feels threatened!

Preserve a clean and suitable environment for your slugs. Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining a healthy habitat for your slugs, ranging from daily to monthly tasks. Many keepers choose to house their slugs outdoors due to their propensity for escape.

• Hourly/daily: Mist your slugs' habitat every hour (or at least twice a day) using a spray bottle to maintain the necessary moisture levels.
• Weekly: Perform a thorough habitat cleaning every two weeks. Temporarily relocate your slugs to the backup habitat and replenish with fresh soil or dirt, leaves, grass, and food.
• Monthly: Many keepers release their slugs after approximately one month, which is generally not a significant concern.

Offer your slugs fresh sustenance at least once daily. Garden slug owners commonly provide fresh fruits and vegetables, with most varieties being suitable. However, if you notice any adverse reactions to a particular food, consult reputable snail or slug resources.

Ensure to remove any uneaten or expired food promptly to prevent attracting fruit flies, which pose a threat to your slugs.

Typically, garden slugs have a lifespan of 6 months to a year. Some individuals may even live up to 6 years. They require less maintenance compared to snails.

• Avoid exposing your slug to direct sunlight or harsh lighting. Additionally, refrain from immersing your slug in tap water or bodies of water. Remember, the true age of your slug is unknown, so its lifespan may be shorter than anticipated.

• Never subject your pet slug to direct sunlight. Slugs are highly light-sensitive creatures, primarily active during the night. Since wild slugs' true ages are uncertain, their lifespan may not align with expectations.