Snails are the most common terrestrial mollusks , and many people keep them as pets . To ensure their survival, proper management is essential. Here are five key points for snail farming:
1. Rearing environment
When raising snails , prepare a soil mixture of leaf mold, peat moss, and fine sand, and place the container in a cool, well-ventilated area. One important point to note is to avoid planting any green plants near the snails, as they may eat them all.
2. Snail reproduction
Snails are hermaphroditic animals. After mating for 8 to 10 days, they lay eggs, which then hatch into baby snails within 10 days. Baby snails are easy to care for because they are resistant and not easily killed.
3. Feeding
Snails are omnivorous but have a particular diet. When raising them, they can be fed various vegetable leaves, fruit peels, wheat flour, white beans, etc., and the types of food should be changed regularly. Avoid feeding them only one type of food, as this can hinder their growth. Additionally, spicy or irritating foods should not be given to snails. To promote faster growth, a little calcium powder can be added to their diet.
4. Temperature and humidity management
The temperature should be between 16-40℃, with an optimal range of 25℃. Generally, it's better to be higher rather than lower, especially in late spring and early summer, to prevent sudden temperature drops. The surface moisture of the breeding soil should be maintained at 25%-35%, and the relative humidity of the air at 85%-90%. It should be moist rather than dry. To control humidity and maintain moisture, cover the soil with a plastic sheet.
5. Daily Management
When raising snails, it is important to ensure that the environment is clean and hygienic to prevent the growth of bacteria, which is detrimental to the snails' growth and health. Usually, the enclosure should be cleaned every three to four days to remove food scraps, snail feces, etc. Note that leaves, branches, etc. should be placed in the enclosure to provide a place for the snails to crawl and play.
