To care for an exotic pet snail is not very easy. Garden Snails are among the invertebrate species of animals that belong to the mollusk family. They are not very wise and have no backbone and have a soft body which is known as foot. To care for an exotic pet snail is necessary for her life. Garden land snails are such a low maintenance pet and that’s why they make good ones. They do not need much attention, love being grasped and there is a lot of fun watching them.
Not all exotic pet snails are the same; however, the most common snail, or as some people call it, a favorite pet, is the garden snail. They last for approximately 5 years in the wild but when put in captivity they can live up to 20 years so before you bring one home make sure and guarantee yourself the responsibility.
In a word, the best time you can get snails is when it is raining in your compound or garden. They are otherwise night-born and will freely appear within specific circumstances. Snails are social creatures and it is not easy to care for an exotic pet snail. Similar to any other pet, you’ll require a couple of elementary things for them; a good home and food at all times. Thus, we’ve been having our snails for a couple of years or so and they are very dear to us just like any of the family members.
Advantages & Disadvantages of having a Snail as an exotic pet
At the same time, a snail can be a perfect pet in case you need a pet of that kind; however, if one is looking for a bitch, a cat, a bird, etc., then a snail won’t do. Snails are calm creatures that are almost silent, they need very little space and do not demand much of the provider’s time, they are also cheap. However, snails are also not cuddling, cannot be tamed, and, indeed, most often live only a couple of years.
Why keep pet snails?
- They’re quiet
- They don’t take much work
- A simple setup is quite inexpensive
- Children can handle snails
- They may be slow but they can be interesting to watch
- They are a unique pet
- Their food can be left-overs from your fridge
Choosing a Terrarium
To choose a terrarium You should use a large glass or plastic enclosure for your snail and the size will depend on the number of the snails that you intend to rear. At a minimum use a glass tank that should be 5 gallons for a couple of snails, but a 10-gallon tank is a great size if you’d like to add more of them. The general rule is 1 gallon per snail. The heat source is not very very important. Make sure that your enclosure has ventilation and a removable, tight-fitting lid that locks in place.h
Creating Your Snail’s Habitat
Add a few inches of pesticide to the bottom. Do NOT use bagged potting soil as it may contain harmful chemicals. Snails like to burrow, so you should also avoid using sand, pebbles, or gravel. Use sterilized soil that is specifically sold for pets for terrariums. Don’t use the soil from your garden as it can contain parasites and other things you wouldn’t want in your home. But, if you choose to, you can use one of these methods to try to sterilize it before using it. After that add a thick layer of sphagnum moss which helps to maintain a good level of humidity.
Maintaining Your Snail Habitat
Choose a location for your snails that is out of direct sunlight. Mist the substrate inside of the terrarium as needed with filtered water inside of a clean spray bottle to maintain humidity. Everything should be moist, but not soggy. Snails prefer moisture. Remove any waste and rubbish regularly.
Substrate for an Exotic Pet Snail
The substrate for the snail should keep moisture well, depending on the species, snails need moisture from 70% to even 100%. The substrate can be unfertilized soil mixed with peat or a mixture of soil with coconut peat. Remember, however, that snails produce a lot of excrement, and keeping the tank clean is not the easiest thing to do. A great idea is to use an active substrate that is adapted to be introduced into the tank by the cleaning team – a bioactive substrate for snails.
What do you Feed a Snail?
To care for a pet snail it is necessary to provide them a good food.
- Most vegetables like carrots, Pumpkin, sweet potato, etc
- Most Fruits like Apple, Banana, Peach, Pear
- Egg
- Wet cat or dog foods
- Goldfish flakes
- Certain outdoor plants
- water
Caring for Your Pet Snails
Garden snails are herbivores that enjoy a varied diet of fresh raw vegetables, fruits, and a calcium source for their shells. They love leafy greens, carrots, dandelion leaves, cucumber, apples, and flowers. Feed them daily with cleaned food and provide a shallow dish of filtered water for drinking and play. Handle them often, but always wash your hands thoroughly before and after to avoid any pathogens. Ensure children don’t put their hands in their mouths or handle food before washing their hands.
Is handling an Exotic Pet Snail Safe?
Is it okay to catch snails? It’s okay to pick up a snail, but make sure you use proper hygiene and wash your hands and your baby’s right after picking up a snail. Also, I recommend fully supervising children because they can get sick if they eat snails.
Conclusion
Garden snails are great pets. They are quiet and easy to take care of. They need a simple home with moisture and the right food. Their interesting behaviors can be fun to watch. Ready for an extended period because snails have a lifespan of up to 20 years of age. In general, garden snails can be considered one of the more individual and easy-care kinds of pets.