How to Keep Garden Snails as Pets

Keeping garden snails can be a fun and educational experience! Here’s how to do it step by step.

Step 1: Gather Supplies

• Container: You will need a small terrarium or aquarium that has a lid to keep the snails in. A 10 to 20-gallon tank should be good.
• Substrate: Use a mixture of organic soil, peat, or coconut coir. This will be where the snails can burrow.
• Humidity and Temperature: Snails like moisture! So a spray bottle filled with water will be needed to keep the environment humid. Aim for a humidity of around 75-85% and a temperature of about 65-75°F (18-24°C).
• Food: Snails eat fresh vegetables like lettuce, cucumbers, and carrots. You can also give them calcium supplements, like crushed eggshells, for their shells.
• Water Bowl: Provide a shallow dish with fresh water for the snails to drink from.

Step 2: Set Up the Habitat

Once you have all your supplies, it’s time to set up the habitat:

• Pour about 1-2 inches of substrate into the bottom of your container.
• Moisten the substrate slightly, but make sure it’s not waterlogged.
• Add some small rocks or pieces of bark for the snails to hide under.
• Place the water bowl in one corner of the habitat.

Step 3: Introduce Your Snails

Now that your habitat is ready, you can gently place your garden snails inside. Make sure they have room to move around and explore.

Step 4: Daily Care

• Feeding: Provide fresh food daily. Remove uneaten food to prevent mold.
• Humidity: Mist the habitat with water every few days or when you notice it getting dry.
• Cleaning: Clean the habitat every week by removing old food and waste, and refreshing the substrate if necessary.

Step 5: Handling Your Snails

When handling your snails, be gentle. Rinse your hands in water to remove any chemicals before touching them, as snails can be sensitive to these. Be sure to return the snails to their habitat promptly to avoid stressing them.

Conclusion

With patience and care, your garden snails can thrive and be wonderful pets! Enjoy watching them explore their environment and learn about their habits.