Land Snails Care Guide

Land snails are hardy, fascinating invertebrates that can make enjoyable and relatively easy to care for pets. They are active explorers, especially during the evening and after misting, and can be kept individually or in groups. 

Species: Cornu aspersum, Helix aspersa

Size: Adult, shell 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4cm)

Color: Brown with light spiral banding

Lifespan: 2-5 years with proper care

Enclosure

Before your snail arrives, make sure its new home is ready. A secure plastic or glass enclosure with adequate ventilation works well. Snails are excellent climbers and squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so a secure lid is essential. Provide enough space for your snails to move, climb and burrow comfortably. Avoid overcrowding, especially when keeping growing juveniles.

 

Substrate

Provide approximately 2-4 inches of moist substrate so the snails can burrow and lay eggs naturally. Some good options are organic topsoil without fertilizers or pesticides, coco fiber or a mixture of both. The substrate should remain damp but never waterlogged. Also add in some cork bark, leaf litter, moss and other lightweight items for hiding and exploring. 

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Temperature

Snails do well at normal indoor temperatures. Ideal range is 65-75F. Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive heat, direct sunlight or very dry conditions. The enclosure should never be placed where sunlight can heat it through the glass or plastic.

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Humidity & Misting

Maintain a consistently humid environment while still providing ventilation. A general target of 70-90% humidity works well. Lightly mist the enclosure as necessary to keep the substrate moist and maintain humidity. Snails often become noticeably more active after misting. Snails obtain much of their moisture from their environment and food. Regular misting and moisture rich vegetables help keep them hydrated. If providing a water dish, use a very shallow dish that the snails can easily crawl into and out of.

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Diet

Snails enjoy a varied plant-based diet. Offer a rotation of fresh vegetables, and leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, dandelion greens, squash, zucchini and carrots. Remove uneaten food before it begins to spoil or mold. Avoid heavily seasoned foods, processed foods, onions, garlic and foods containing added salt. Salt is extremely harmful to snails. A properly formulated land snail diet can also be offered as part of their regular feeding routine.

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Calcium

Calcium should always be available. Snails require calcium to grow and maintain strong, healthy shells. Cuttlebone is an easy calcium source and can remain in the enclosure so the snails can consume it as needed. We use Repashy SuperCal as a calcium supplement for our snails. A small amount can be offered with their food as a supplemental calcium source.

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Breeding & Eggs

Snails are hermaphrodites, meaning each snail possesses both male and female reproductive organs. Keeping two or more mature snails together can result in breeding, and both individuals are capable of laying eggs. Snails can also retain sperm after mating and may produce fertile eggs later. Regular check the substrate if you do not want additional snails. Egg clutches are generally deposited beneath the surface. Snail eggs are small, round to slightly oval, and usually white, cream, or pale yellow in color. They are often laid in clusters rather than individually and may be found just beneath the surface of the substrate, tucked into moist areas of the enclosure. Freshly laid eggs are typically firm and opaque, while developing eggs may become slightly translucent as they mature.

For eggs you do not want to hatch:

1. Remove them from the substrate as soon as you find them.

2. Put them in a sealed freezer-safe bag or container.

3. Freeze for at least 24 hours.

4. Keep them sealed and put them in the household trash after freezing.

5. Never release the eggs, snails, or contaminated substrate outdoors, and don't put viable eggs in compost.

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Cleaning

Spot clean regularly by removing leftover food and waste. Avoid household cleaners, pesticides and other chemicals inside the enclosure. 

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Handling

Always wash your hands before and after handling your snails or cleaning in their enclosure. Snails can be handled gently but avoid pulling a snail directly from a surface when it is firmly attached. Allow the snail to release its grip naturally or gently encourage it onto your hand. 

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Important

Never release captive snails, eggs or unwanted offspring outdoors. Captive snails should remain securely contained and unwanted eggs or offspring should be managed responsibly.

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With proper care, a healthy environment, and a little attention to their needs, your snail can thrive and become a fascinating and rewarding pet. Take the time to monitor their enclosure, provide fresh food and calcium, and keep their habitat clean and properly maintained. Every snail is an individual, so getting to know your snail’s habits and behavior is one of the most enjoyable parts of keeping them.​​​​​​​