![]() Gastropods that naturally lack a shell, or have only an internal shell, are mostly called slugs, and land snails that have only a very small shell (that they cannot retract into) are often called semi-slugs. When the word "snail" is used in this most general sense, it includes not just land snails but also numerous species of sea snails and freshwater snails. However, the common name snail is also used for most of the members of the molluscan class Gastropoda that have a coiled shell that is large enough for the animal to retract completely into. The name is most often applied to land snails, terrestrial pulmonate gastropod molluscs. If you accidentally pull off the shell, your snail will die.Helix pomatia sealed in its shell with a calcareous epiphragmĪ snail is a shelled gastropod. Be careful not to grab the snail by the shell.Trying to pick up a tiny snail with your hands might actually harm the snail. If you have a very small snail, try to get it to climb onto a piece of food or a leaf and transfer it into your hand.If it isn't easily detaching from the side of the tank, try to pick it up at a later time. Wash your hands before and after handling a snail to prevent exchanging any diseases.It will stretch its head up and you can slide your finger underneath. If you can't get your finger under the snail's head, offer it a bit of food just out of its reach.Make sure your hands are wet whenever handling your snail.Use your other hand hand to support the snail's body and gently pull as you slip your finger all the way under the snail's body. Slip your finger under the snail's head, between the snail and the glass of the tank. If the snail is on the side of the tank, spray your hand and the snail with water. The snail may even eat through the cardboard. Avoid wooden or cardboard containers, as they will rot.Be absolutely certain you wash out all the detergent or you may poison your snail. Use boiling water and a gentle detergent, then thoroughly rinse the container with more water. Wash your container before building the habitat inside.Just be certain you drill holes in the lid or top of the sides sides so your snails can breathe. A clear, translucent plastic container from a storage or craft store can work just as well as a tank.Glass tanks and aquariums are suitable homes for snails as well, though the heavy glass makes them more difficult to clean and transport. ![]() A large "pet pal" or "critter carrier" makes a good home for land snails, as the sides are clear plastic and the lid provides great ventilation.If you're not sure how big your tank should be, use this calculator to find the sized based on the species and number of snails you plan to keep.Make sure the lid fits or locks tightly in place - a snail can lift 10-50 times its own weight and may lift a loose lid and escape. A snail can live in a variety of enclosures - look for a translucent container with plenty of ventilation and enough space for your pet to roam and explore. If you want a pet slug, you need to research what a slug, not a snail, needs to be healthy and happy.īuy a plastic tank or container for your snail. Remember, a snail is not just a slug with a shell.Snails like to feed on crops and gardens, and a non-native snail can do a lot of damage to local ecosystems if released.Keep in mind that this is a long-term commitment - if you don't plan on keeping a snail for that long, choose a native species so you can release your pet if you choose. Snails can live anywhere from 3-15 years in captivity.Popular snails like the Giant African Snail, Decollate snails, giant Ghana tiger snails, and margies are all illegal in the US.Native snails can be easily found in gardens and wooded areas and are probably your best bet for your first pet snail.It is illegal in the United States to import snails from other countries, and your state may even have laws against bringing in species from other states. Because many consider snails pests rather than pets, there are regulations on which snails can be sold where. Garden snails can be taken straight out of your garden. Snails can actually be difficult to purchase in a pet store.
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