Q&A for How to Breed a Pet Snail

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If I put two snails together, does it mean they are definitely going to mate?

Community Answer

No, not necessarily, but it does increase the likelihood quite a bit.

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Question

What do the eggs of garden snails look like?

Community Answer

The eggs are round, sometimes oval-shaped, and range in color from white to light brown/yellow.

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Question

Are there any special needs for snails?

Community Answer

You should give them a source of calcium. Calcium can come from cuttlefish bones, egg shells, and special calcium supplements.

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Question

Can a snail mate more then once?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How long does it take for snails to mate?

Community Answer

Depending on the breed of snail, it could take as little as 4 to 6 hours, or as long as 24 hours or longer.

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Question

Can a snail lay eggs without soil?

Community Answer

While they may be laid without soil, snails need soil to protect the eggs and maintain the proper temperature.

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Question

How do I know if a snail has mated?

Community Answer

It will have a "love dart" sticking out of it. A love dart is a little white thing.

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Question

Can I touch snail eggs if I want to move them to a safer place?

Community Answer

It is best not to touch the eggs because they are so delicate. If, however, you absolutely need to move the eggs, try using small tweezers to pick them up and be very gentle.

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Question

How can you tell if it's a boy or a girl?

Community Answer

Snails are hermaphrodites. They have both male and female reproductive parts.

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Question

How long (weeks, months or years) does it take for a snail to mature?

Community Answer

These snails grow up to 10 mm per month. After 6 months, the Achatina fulica is about 35 mm long and may already be sexually mature. Sexual maturity takes 6 to 16 months, depending on the weather and the availability of calcium. This snail lives 5 or 6 years, sometimes as many as 9 years.

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Question

Can snails be raised in my backyard in New York?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

Yes, just make sure to create a suitable exterior terrarium. Make sure to dig down and put fencing in at least 1.5 feet deep.

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Question

Can I keep snails in my room or is it better for them outside?

Community Answer

You can keep them indoors if they are pets.

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Question

Can two different breeds of snail still mate?

Community Answer

Yes you can do hybrids with snails and make odd looking ones. Some might have two shells.

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Question

My snail is blowing bubbles. Is that a bad sign?

Community Answer

No. They are afraid or are just getting used to the environment around them.

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Question

Where can I find other snails in California that are not garden snails?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

A local pet store might be a good place to start.

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Question

Can a snail lay eggs by itself without a partner?

Community Answer

Yes, because the snails are hermaphrodites and can self-reproduce.

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Question

I have found eggs in my snail's tank. How long will they take to hatch?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

1-6 weeks depending on the temperature, humidity, climate, ventilation and species.

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Question

When do snails stop breeding?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

They can reproduce throughout their entire lives.

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Question

Can I keep a garden snail as a pet and not get a disease if I wash my hands?

Community Answer

Yes, if you wash your hands, you should be fine.

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Question

What are the best calcium foods for snails?

Community Answer

Things like lettuce, tomato, and carrot are all great calcium food for your snails.

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Question

Will they breed in an empty fridge with soil and leaf matter?

Community Answer

No. Snails need light changes and airflow. A fridge won't give the snails that. It will also be more susceptible to mold, fungus, and/or bacterial growth.

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Question

Can a snail and a slug be bred?

Community Answer

No. They are completely different species. If you did manage to mate them they wouldn't lay any viable eggs.

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Question

Is it normal for the snails to hang out on the cling wrap roof of the enclosure?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

Yes, snails like to be high up because they think it's safer.

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Question

If I put a lot of snails together, will they be more likely to have babies?

Lucy Thurgood

Top Answerer

Yes, as long as they are all the same species.

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Question

I have 4 garden snails, and I'm worried about the other ones eating the eggs. I feed them enough food, and I have even planted grass. Should I be worried?

Community Answer

Probably. The best thing to do in this situation is to take the eggs to a different habitat because, even if you're feeding them more, there is still a possibility of the other snails eating the eggs.

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Question

What does something that looks like string on a snail mean?

Community Answer

That's the snail's feces. This is nothing to be alarmed about.

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Question

I have 3 garden snails that are yellow with brown stripes. I want them to mate but I'm not sure how. Any suggestions?

SnailOwner

Community Answer

Most land snails have both male and female organs so they are able to breed with themselves, but if you want to speed up the process put a few snails together so they breed with each other.

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Question

Can a snail die from pesticides on the fruits and vegetables that you feed them?

Community Answer

Yes, they can, so make sure to always cleanse their food before you feed it to them.

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Question

Can I identify a snails gender without touching them and if yes, how?

Anaka Blackwood

Community Answer

A snail is both male and female. They have both male and reproductive parts to ensure the survival of the species. It is natural for one snail to suddenly lay eggs without warning.

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Question

Where can I buy a log or stick that is safe for snails?

Community Answer

Any pet store will have them available for purchase.

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