Introduction

Our comprehensive guide ‌to caring for the Big African Land Snail will provide you with all the necessary information‌ to ensure the well-being of your​ pet.

The Big African Land Snail ​(Achatina ‌Fulica) ‍is a popular species of large snail that is widely available in the pet trade.

They make great pets as⁢ they are low maintenance, easy to feed, and do not require⁤ any specialized heating.

Native to Kenya and ⁤Tanzania, this species ‌has ‍become a pest in countries ‍where it has been accidentally introduced. They are now found in‍ Ethiopia, Somalia, Madagascar, ‍Morocco, Ghana, and many other countries.

With a shell size ‌of⁢ up⁢ to 12cm and a lifespan ‍of ​5-7 years, they are a long-lived and sizeable species.

Interestingly, even solitary ‍snails will begin ⁢to reproduce at 9-12 months of age through parthenogenesis, as they are hermaphrodites (possessing both male and female reproductive organs).

Housing

There⁣ are various suitable enclosures for Big African Land Snails, including glass tanks ⁢with low roofs and ⁤plastic‌ tanks.

Heating

This species requires temperatures between 20-25 o C. In colder environments, a heat mat with a thermostat ⁣may be necessary. A digital or infrared thermometer should be used to monitor temperatures.

Lighting

No additional lighting is‌ necessary, but a ‍small LED light​ can ⁢be used for visual purposes.

Decorations

Snails are prone to falling⁤ from the top of their enclosures, which can cause damage to their shells. Therefore, it is best to avoid using hard objects ‍in their habitat.

Plastic ‍food dishes, flower pots, cork bark, plastic plants, and flowers are all ⁣suitable for⁣ snails. It is also beneficial to⁤ have sphagnum moss in the enclosure to maintain ‌humidity levels.

Substrate

Coir‌ substrate is the best option for Big African Land Snails, which can be purchased in‍ compact bricks or loose.‍ The substrate ‌should be deep enough for the​ snail to fully bury itself.

Feeding & Supplementation

Cuttlefish bone should be provided as a source of calcium‌ for egg-laying and shell growth. This species has⁣ a varied diet, including protein sources such as fish flakes (without garlic), soaked dried mealworms, and even pinkie mice as a rare ‌treat.

Fruits,​ vegetables, and leafy greens make up the majority of their diet. All food items should be ‍thoroughly washed to remove any ‌pesticides.

The following foods are considered ⁣safe for Big African ⁤Land Snails:

• Apple
• Artichoke
• Banana
• Basil
• Beans
• Blueberries
• Butternut squash
• Cabbage
• Carrot
• Cauliflower
• Celeriac
• Cherry
• Clover
• Courgette
• Cress
• Cucumber
• Dandelion leaves
• Lettuce
• Kale
• Kiwi
• Mango
• Marrow
• Mushrooms
• Nettle
• Passion Fruit
• Peach
• Peas
• Pears
• Pepper
• Plantains (when‍ very ripe – completely black and mushy)
• Plum
• Pumpkin
• Salad bags
• Spirulina
• Spring greens
• Strawberries
• Sweetcorn
• Sweet⁤ potato
• Tangerine
• Tomato
• Turnip
• Watermelon

Additional Resources

Our guide to caring for Big African Land Snails covers all the basics you need to know to keep your pet healthy and ​happy.

If you want to learn more about caring for Big African ‌Land Snails, check out our selection of books.

For ⁤information‍ on caring for other reptiles, be sure to ⁢read our care sheets for Bearded Dragons,‌ Leopard ‌Geckos, Hognose Snakes, Crested Geckos, Hermann’s Tortoises,‍ and Corn Snakes.