How to Keep Snails as Pets

Determine the type of snail you want to keep. Snails are rarely sold in pet stores, but you can easily find them in your garden. Often considered pests rather than pets, regulations exist regarding which snails can be sold and where. Importing snails from other countries into the U.S. is illegal, and some states even prohibit bringing them from other states.

• Native snails can be found in gardens and wooded areas, making these the best places to find your first snail.
• Popular species like the Giant African Snail, Decollate Snail, Giant Ghana Tiger Snail, and Margies Snail are banned in the U.S.
• Snails can live between 3 to 15 years in captivity. Remember, this is a long-term commitment – if you don’t plan to keep them for that long, consider choosing a native species so you can release them later.
• Snails enjoy eating garden vegetables and plants, while invasive species can severely damage ecosystems if released into the wild.
• Note that snails are not the same as shell-less slugs. If you prefer slugs, research their specific needs to ensure they thrive in your care.

Consider keeping two or more snails. Snails enjoy companionship, and your pet snail will be happier with a friend to interact with. They also create a more visually appealing environment.

• Caring for one or two snails doesn’t differ much, so it won’t cost you much extra money or effort to find a companion for your snail.
• Try to choose snails of the same species to house together, as different species may carry diseases or parasites harmful to one another.
• A group of snails often huddles together to sleep, showing that they’ve bonded.

Purchase a tank or plastic container for your snail. Snails can live in various enclosures – look for something transparent, well-ventilated, and spacious for your snail to roam and explore. Ensure the lid fits tightly or has a secure latch, as snails can lift 10-50 times their body weight and may push the lid open to escape.

• If unsure about the size, you can use this calculator to determine the right tank size based on the species and number of snails you plan to keep.
• A large pet transport box can be a suitable home for snails, as its plastic sides are clear, and the lid provides good ventilation.
• Aquariums or glass tanks also work well, though thicker glass can be harder to clean and move.
• Clear plastic storage containers from stores are just as good as aquariums, but remember to drill holes in the lid or sides for airflow.
• Clean the tank thoroughly before setting it up. Wash it with hot water and mild soap, then rinse well with clean water. Ensure all soap is removed; otherwise, it could poison the snail.
• Avoid wooden or cardboard boxes, as they can rot. Snails might even chew through cardboard.

Line the bottom of the container with 2.5-5 cm of substrate. Common materials include peat, coconut fiber, potting soil, and compost. Ensure the substrate is sterilized and free of pesticides or fertilizers, as these can harm snails.

• Avoid sand, gravel, rocks, shells, or any brittle materials that snails can’t burrow into.
• Peat, coconut fiber, and potting soil are excellent substrates for burrowing snails and can be purchased at pet stores or gardening shops.
• Spray the substrate with water in the morning and evening to keep it moist. Avoid overwatering to the point of puddles – just enough to make the soil stick to your hand.
• Add some sphagnum moss to help retain moisture.
• Note that garden soil may contain pests or pesticides harmful to snails.

Decorate the snail’s home with items they can climb on or hide under. Avoid hard objects like stones, bricks, or ceramics – snails can fall from the tank walls, and if they land on a hard surface, their shells may crack, causing serious injury.

• Use a plastic or PE plant pot. Place it in the tank or cut it in half to create a hideout. You can also flip it over and cut a small entrance for the snail to crawl inside.
• Choose organic materials that don’t rot easily, such as cork bark or dried branches. Look for reptile decor in pet stores for climbing structures.
• A shallow water dish provides a spot for drinking and playing, while also adding humidity. Choose a shallow dish and avoid filling it too high, as snails could fall in and drown. Consider using a reptile-safe plastic dish.

Monitor the temperature and humidity in the tank. The temperature should stay between 18-30°C or room temperature. Check the soil daily to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

• If your home gets too cold in winter, consider purchasing a heating mat to maintain warmth and humidity in the snail’s enclosure. Attach the mat to cover part of the tank but leave one-third uncovered so the snail can move to a cooler area if it gets too warm.

Feed your snail fresh fruits and vegetables every few days. Snails enjoy a variety of foods, including apples, mushrooms, tomatoes, bananas, strawberries, carrots, leafy greens, and more. Experiment with different foods to see what your snail prefers.

• Snails may also enjoy dog or cat food, both dry and wet varieties.
• Use a dish to place food in the tank, making it easier to clean up uneaten or spoiled food.
• Avoid feeding snails salt or salty foods, as salt can be lethal to them.

Provide a calcium source for your snail. Calcium is essential for maintaining a strong shell. Cuttlebone is an excellent and affordable calcium source, readily available at pet stores. Always keep a clean cuttlebone in the snail’s tank.

• Eggshells and calcium supplements are also easy options to ensure your snail gets enough calcium.
• Snails absorb calcium through their bodies by crawling on the cuttlebone and breaking it down with their foot.

Always wash food thoroughly before feeding it to your snail. Any traces of pesticides can poison and kill your snail. Never skip this step, even with organic produce. While organic products are often considered pesticide-free, this isn’t always the case. Even if you’re certain there are no pesticides, washing the food ensures no harmful residues remain.

• You should also wash any calcium sources before placing them in the tank.

Learn how to handle your snail properly. If the snail is clinging to the tank wall, spray water on your hand and the snail. Slide a finger under the snail’s head, between the snail and the tank. Use your other hand to support its body and gently pull while sliding your finger down its body. Place the snail in your palm.

• Always wet your hands before handling the snail.
• If you can’t slide your finger under its head, use food to lure the snail slightly out of reach. The snail will stretch its head, allowing you to slide your finger underneath.
• Wash your hands before and after handling the snail to prevent disease transmission.
• Don’t force the snail to move. If it doesn’t detach easily, wait for another time to handle it.
• For very small snails, coax them onto a piece of food or a leaf and transfer them to your hand. Avoid picking up tiny snails directly, as this can harm them.
• Be careful not to lift the snail by its shell. Accidentally pulling the shell off can kill the snail.

Remove snail eggs from the substrate. Unless you want dozens or even hundreds of baby snails, eliminate the eggs before they hatch. Snail eggs are round, white, or translucent. You may find individual eggs or clusters of hundreds. Eggs hatch within two weeks, so check the substrate weekly.

• Destroy the eggs by placing them in a bag and freezing them. Ensure they are fully frozen before disposal.
• Never release snail eggs into the wild, especially non-native species.
• If you’re concerned about eggs, avoid using too much substrate. This makes it easier to find and manage the eggs.

Clean the tank once a month. Move the snail to a temporary enclosure and remove everything from the tank. Wash the tank with hot water and mild soap, then rinse thoroughly—any soap residue can be deadly to snails.

• Wipe the tank walls weekly with water to prevent buildup between deep cleanings.
• Remove waste or spoiled food that hasn’t been cleaned up.
• Clean or replace the substrate at the bottom of the tank.
• If snail slime on the tank walls is hard to clean, try using a bit of vinegar.

Bathe your snail occasionally. Give your snail a bath (about once a month) to remove pests. Place the snail in a shallow dish of room-temperature water and gently pour or sprinkle water over its body. Avoid submerging the snail to prevent drowning.

• Use your hand, a soft cloth, or a soft toothbrush to clean the shell gently. Avoid abrasive materials.
• Only use water to clean the snail. Never use soap.

• Don’t worry if your snail’s droppings are orange like carrots or green like lettuce. This is normal.
• Wash your hands before handling the snail. The salt from your sweat can seriously harm the snail.
• Slugs have different care requirements than snails, so avoid housing them together.
• Keep the snail’s enclosure away from dogs, cats, and other large pets.
• Avoid using tap water to spray or clean the snail. Tap water contains chemicals that can kill or severely harm snails. Use spring water, bottled water, or purified water instead.
• House snails in a large tank or container so they have space to play, eat, and crawl around. Add sticks, soil, and plants to mimic their natural environment.
• Pick up care guides from pet stores or ask staff for advice on snail care.
• Feed snails a variety of vegetables and fruits to ensure they get proper nutrition.
• Avoid feeding snails cucumbers. While they love cucumbers, they may become “addicted” and refuse other foods.
• If you notice a white film over the snail’s mouth when you lift it, it’s likely dried mucus. Gently scrape it off with your fingernail and rinse your hands under water.
• Keep salt away from snails. Exposure to salt can dehydrate and kill them.

• Don’t squeeze the snail’s shell, as it can crush them.
• Avoid feeding snails anything containing salt or saline solutions, as salt is lethal to them.
• Don’t poke the snail’s soft body to prevent causing stress.