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Snails as Pets
It is thought that there are around a hundred species of African landsnail. They are classed as exotic pets, but despite this are relatively easy to keep so long as you stick to four �rules�. These are food (including calcium), water, temperature and cleaning. Basically, so long as you feed them every day, mist them with water every day, keep them at room temperature and clean the tank out every so often, your snails are likely to do ok. They are also easy to keep in that they do not require any special handling. You can make as little or as much of them as you wish, - while they are perfectly content to be handled, they are equally happy left to their own devices in the tank. Unlike cats and dogs snails never develop an emotional attachment to the owner (though I�m sure most owners would agree it is very easy for the owner to become attached to the snail!) This means that when you are too busy or tired to give them much attention you are certainly not neglecting them. They also make ideal childrens pets. Being able to retract into their shell means they can avoid being damaged by eager little hands, and, under supervision, children will find snails fascinating, rewarding and educational pets. They have longer life expectancies than or example mice and hamsters and therefore the child is able to enjoy his/her pet for longer as well.
However it is important to note that just because snails are considered relatively easy to look after, it does not mean they can take care of themselves. Failure to provide the basic care such as food and water will quickly result in the snail�s health deteriorating. For detailed information on how to care for African landsnails please see the Snail Care page.
But why would people want to keep snails as pets in the first place? Quite simply, they can be fascinating creatures. Watching them move about the tank is mesmerising and very relaxing, and the variety of patterns found on their shells is rewarding in itself. In the case of the truly �giant� African snails there is also an element of the �freakish� about them which will appeal to many people, as their sheer size makes them fascinating.
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