Native snails can be easily found in gardens and wooded areas and are probably your best bet for your first pet snail. Popular snails like the Giant African Snail, Decollate snails, giant Ghana tiger snails, and margies are all illegal in the US. [1] X Research source Snails can live anywhere from 3-15 years in captivity. 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. [2] X Research source Snails like to feed on crops and gardens, and a non-native snail can do a lot of damage to local ecosystems if released. [3] X Research source Remember, a snail is not just a slug with a shell. If you want a pet slug, you need to research what a slug, not a snail, needs to be healthy and happy.
The difference for caring for two snails versus one is minimal, so it will cost you very little in money or time to get your snail a companion. Try to stick to the same species of snail, as one species may carry different pests or diseases that are harmful to the other. [5] X Research source Groups of snails tend to sleep huddled together, which indicates they seek out each other’s company. [6] X Research source
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. 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. [8] X Research source Glass tanks and aquariums are suitable homes for snails as well, though the heavy glass makes them more difficult to clean and transport. [9] X Research source A clear, translucent plastic container from a storage or craft store can work just as well as a tank. Just be certain you drill holes in the lid or top of the sides sides so your snails can breathe. [10] X Research source Wash your container before building the habitat inside. Use boiling water and a gentle detergent, then thoroughly rinse the container with more water. Be absolutely certain you wash out all the detergent or you may poison your snail. [11] X Research source Avoid wooden or cardboard containers, as they will rot. The snail may even eat through the cardboard. [12] X Research source
Avoid using sand, pebbles, rocks, shells, or anything brittle that the snail cannot burrow in. [14] X Research source Peat, coir, and potting soil are great substrates for snails to burrow. These may be found at pet or garden supply stores. [15] X Research source Spray the substrate in the morning and evening to keep it moist. Do not make it so wet that water is pooling in the substrate — it should be just moist enough that it sticks to your hand. [16] X Research source Add a little sphagnum moss to keep the substrate moist. [17] X Research source Be aware that soil from your yard may have pests or pesticides and could harm your snail. [18] X Research source
Find plant pot made of plastic or polythene. Place it in the habitat on its side or cut it in half to make a cave. You could also turn the pot upside-down and cut a little opening for the snail to enter and hide inside. [20] X Research source Look for organic materials that won’t rot quickly, like cork bark or dried tree branches. Check the reptile section at a pet store for a good selection of obstacles for your snail to play on. [21] X Research source A shallow water dish will give your snail a place to drink and play and also increase the moisture in the tank. Look for one with low sides and don’t fill it too deep or your snail might drown. Try a resin reptile dish. [22] X Research source
If your house gets very cold in the winter, you may want to buy a heating mat to keep the heat and humidity up in the habitat. Fix the mat to the side of the tank, covering all but 1/3 of the side. That way if the snail becomes too warm, it can move to the cooler part of the habitat. [24] X Research source
Snails may also enjoy wet or dry cat or dog treats and turtle food. [26] X Research source Put a food dish in your habitat to make it easier to remove rotten food. [27] X Research source Don’t give your snail salt or salty food. It may kill your snail. [28] X Research source
Egg shells and calcium supplements are other easy ways to introduce calcium into your snail’s diet. [30] X Research source Snails can absorb calcium through their bodies and may sit on pieces of cuttlefish, breaking it down with their foot. [31] X Research source
Make sure you are washing the calcium, too.
Make sure your hands are wet whenever handling your snail. [35] X Research source If you can’t get your finger under the snail’s head, offer it a bit of food just out of its reach. It will stretch its head up and you can slide your finger underneath. [36] X Research source Wash your hands before and after handling a snail to prevent exchanging any diseases. [37] X Research source Don’t force your snail to move. If it isn’t easily detaching from the side of the tank, try to pick it up at a later time. [38] X Research source 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. Trying to pick up a tiny snail with your hands might actually harm the snail. [39] X Research source Be careful not to grab the snail by the shell. If you accidentally pull off the shell, your snail will die. [40] X Research source
Make sure your hands are wet whenever handling your snail. [35] X Research source If you can’t get your finger under the snail’s head, offer it a bit of food just out of its reach. It will stretch its head up and you can slide your finger underneath. [36] X Research source Wash your hands before and after handling a snail to prevent exchanging any diseases. [37] X Research source Don’t force your snail to move. If it isn’t easily detaching from the side of the tank, try to pick it up at a later time. [38] X Research source 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. Trying to pick up a tiny snail with your hands might actually harm the snail. [39] X Research source Be careful not to grab the snail by the shell. If you accidentally pull off the shell, your snail will die. [40] X Research source
Destroy the eggs by bagging them and placing them in the freezer. Make sure they are completely frozen before throwing them out. Do not put unwanted eggs outside, especially if you have a non-native species of snail. If you are worried about eggs, don’t use too much substrate on the bottom of the habitat. This will make it easier to find and manage the eggs.
Wipe down the sides of the tank with water once a week to keep it from getting too dirty between deep cleans. [43] X Research source Throw out any waste or rotten food you haven’t already removed from the tank. [44] X Research source Clean the substrate or place all-new substrate on the bottom of the tank. [45] X Research source If you have trouble removing a snail-slime stain from the side of the container, try cleansing the stain with a little vinegar. [46] X Research source
Use your finger, soft cloth, or a soft-bristle toothbrush to very gently clean the snail’s shell. Do not use anything abrasive to clean your snail. [48] X Research source Never use soap or detergent to wash your snail. Use water only. [49] X Research source
