I want to own a snail...

WarmAris

Arachnopeon
Joined
Jan 5, 2021
Messages
1
Any snail species for beginners that you recommend and a few beginner-snail-owner things that I should know for that species and for owning snails in general would be appreciated a lot (I'm not asking for a lot of information. I don't want to waste your time. I can do some extra research). Also, can you give food suggestions and how often they can have them so I can make a diet?


How often should I gave a snail cuttlebone and how big of a portion should I give it? Also, how fast will it finish it (I'm asking this because I don't want mold or fungi) and how should it be prepared (For example, should I soften it and how do I do that)?

How often should I give a snail clover and how big of a portion should I give it? Also, how fast will it finish it and how should it be prepared?

Can I feed a snail beetle jelly twice a month or once? How often do you recommend? I know it's not necassary but just as a supplement.
 

Polenth

Arachnobaron
Joined
Sep 29, 2018
Messages
460
The USA has more rules for keeping snails because of the agricultural risk, so I don't know what types you can keep. You can't keep African land snails, which is the usual suggestion in Europe (but you'll find a lot of good guides on what you can feed them and such, which will work for many other snails). Look for a snail native to your area and ideally captive bred (wild ones have more parasite concerns).

You could put a whole cuttlefish bone in and it'd be fine. If you do break it up, make sure it's big enough for the snail to sit on. Just give it a wash with plain water to make sure it's clean... it doesn't need any other processing. The only warning is that wild snails don't always recognise it as calcium, in which case, grind a bit into powder and put it on their other food. They'll get the idea in the end. You can also use things like calcium powder for reptiles.

Most snails will eat a wide variety of vegetables, with a small amount of fruit and animal protein (such as fish food) on the side. You don't need to harvest food like clover from outside, but if you do, make sure it's from a pesticide-free area and you wash it thoroughly. Variety is the most important thing, so don't just feed the same one vegetable constantly. Keep in mind things like beetle jelly are high in sugar, so I'd only feed that as an occasional treat.

How often to feed and how much depends on the snail. You can feed a little every day or a bigger meal once a week. They're pretty easy going. You'll get a feel for how much yours eat in time.

I'd note if you look up a snail species and the diet isn't what I've just said, that's not a beginner snail. You don't want to deal with a snail with a specialised diet for your first snail.
 
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