Q&A for How to Care for Garden Snails

It will start burrowing under the substrate and lay its eggs. If you have a clear tank, you will be able to see the eggs in little clusters on the bottom.

Yes. Snails love mushed-up banana.

No, it means it is scared. It might have gotten frightened by you or something in it's tank.

Yes. Snails are adventurous and curious creatures, and enjoy crawling up walls and sticks, provided there is decent humidity. Ensure the string is accessible from the ground, does not facilitate escape, and is securely fastened so it doesn't fall and hurt the snail.

I personally crush up the eggshell into a fine powder and add water to it so I can spread the paste onto a stone. It's a lot easier to see that they're eating it because it has the contrast of the calcium against the rock, and in my experience, the snails eat it more readily because it's easier for them to actually consume. When I did this, I saw the paste just disappear a little each day.

You can use any container with a lid. Drill holes in the top and fill with soil with hiding spots and a humid temperature. Just be sure to clean out the whole container every 2-3 weeks, without any cleaning liquids, only warm/hot water, cleaning chemicals will be fatal to the snails.

You can use a jar or a plastic Tupperware container as long as there are breathing holes and space for the snails. Water bottles are not very cozy places for your snails so try to change the container and add dirt,moss, grass, and other plants and foods.

You cannot tell the age of your snail unless you have raised it from an egg. A snail that's about an inch long is probably around a year old; the smaller your snail is, the younger it is. (This does not apply to all snails though as there are lots of different species.)

There isn't any special place you should keep the tank/container. Most snails will feel comfortable in a low lit place so make sure it is not in direct sunlight.

Yes, you can give them lettuce as long as there is nothing harmful on it.

Of course! As long as the snails are healthy and happy, you can keep them as long as you'd like.

No. Snails will eat their way out of cardboard, and even if a cage contained them, it would be very difficult to keep it damp enough.

Yes, it's completely natural for your snail to seek some form of privacy.

Snails love burrowing underground, it's a common habit and is completely natural. If you have an adult snail, it could be looking for a good place to lay a clutch of eggs.

Snails can have a rather long sleep cycle, he may be just sleeping, or dead. If the bit of snail body that you can see is dry, then your snail is probably dead, though you can try placing some water on it and see if that helps (make sure not to down him, though).

No. Use a container, cricket keeper, aquarium or any other type of shelter with a lid and make sure air can pass through the shelter, too.

No!

I think you should just keep it outside in a sealed jar (with holes poked in the lid) with veggies and water (but not too much).

It should be okay, but keep in mind it will start munching on your plant if there are no other sources of food nearby.

DO NOT try to replace the snail's shell. If you remove the shell, it's like someone ripping off your skin, it holds all their organs and vitals in. Just ensure they have a good calcium source such as natural cuttlebone or non-powdered calcium supplements.

Temporarily, this is okay. But long-term, try to feed them more than one type of food to be sure they are getting enough of different nutrients.

Yes, but make sure they're the same size. If they're different sizes, the smaller ones may get eaten!

No, they are not dead, but you should feed them a wide variety of foods.

Research the different types of snails there are and what the different species look like.

No. Soil is part of garden snails' natural habitat, and you want to make them feel at home.

Most snails love crushed eggshell or cuttlefish. You can use eggshell from used eggs, but make sure the eggshell has been washed with water. However, snails like raw egg, so it doesn't tend to matter, just don't give them too much. You can get cuttlefish bone from the parrot section of a pet store.

Not at all. Sometimes bacteria or parasites may be carried by them, as by any animal, so just wash your hands after you touch snails.

Snails are pretty docile, so I'm pretty sure they won't fight. They get along pretty well.

Fresh or rain water. It will contain barely any chemicals so your snails will be safe and will not be killed.

Make a list of reasons why you want a pet snail. Be prepared to answer questions. Assure your parents that they are easy to take care of, and that you are responsible enough for the task.