Snail Farming

*INTRODUCTION TO SNAILS FARMING*

The Nigerian economy has slipped into recession, the big question now is, how do 

we come out of it? Agriculture seems to be the only way out of poverty, food 

scarcity and current unemployment challenges in Nigeria today, especially among 

youths. Snail rearing also known as Heliculture is the breeding, raising and 

production of snails. Snails are useful for their meat served as several local and 

international delicacies, their shell are used for pharmaceutical purposes and also 

crushed for animal feed because of its rich source of calcium. Snails are 

hermaphrodites, which mean they have both male and female sex organs. They 

mate when mature and each time it rains, the snails are conditioned to either mate 

or lay more eggs. Also their slimes are equally used in treatment of skin diseases.  It is expedient to know that Snail farming requires patience and why many farmers fail Is because they 

know little or nothing about the business they are venturing into, however it is one 

of the most profitable animal rearing businesses in Nigeria. It provides one of the 

finest opportunities to make good money at a very short time. Unlike other 

livestock enterprises, housing for snails is the cheapest to construct. Its feeding is 

also cheaper compared to the rest of the livestock. But first you need to all the 

knowledge about this business.

*There are several ways to make money in this Business.*

1. Rearing.

2. Snail spicing /snail trading

3. Snail slime harvestation for cosmetic companies 

4. Snail meat processing and export etc

However,This teaching has however been divided into 2 parts , so not to worry, if you do not 

have any interest in rearing snails, then you can take a look at other ways of 

making money with its related businesses.

*What you should consider before you start a snail farm…*

👉🏽 *CHOOSING A SITE / PEN CONSTRUCTION*

When setting up a productive snail farming venture, you must as a matter of 

necessity construct an escape-proof roofing housing. Snails are easily dehydrated, 

and wind increase the rate of moisture loose in snail which in turn, leads to the 

dryness of the animal. To prevent snails from losing water so quickly, your 

snaileries (the snail house) must be located in environment that is protected from 

wind. A low plain, downhill site surrounded with enough trees is perfect for snail 

farming. You may plant plantains and bananas around your snail farm to prevent 

the impact of wind. There are several snail housing to choose from depending on the sizes of your intended farm, be it a small scale or a large scale. Other things you need 

to put into consideration include;

👉🏽 *SOIL SUITABLE FOR SNAIL FARMING*

Soil is a major part of snail habitat and the shell of snail is made up of mainly 

calcium and most of which it gets from the soil. Hence its essential that the calciumand water content of the soil is high and that the soil is loose. it is also worthy of note 

here that clayey soil and very sandy soil are not suitable for snail farming, this 

Is because the clayey are too acidic for the snails and can easily get waterlogged 

thereby drowning the snails, on the other hand, the very sandy soil has low capacity of retaining water content. The recommended soil for snail farming is the *HUMUS* 

*OR LOAMY SOIL* that supports the growth of plants

👉🏽 *TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY*

Snails are cold blooded animals and hence are sensitive to changes in the 

atmospheric humidity and temperature; they thrive best in areas which have 

moderate temperature and high humidity. There is what is called *AESTIVATION* in 

snails which usually occur during dry season. It’s the state where the snail becomes 

inactive or a state of dormancy and seals itself into its shell with a white calcareous 

layer to prevent loss of water from the body and for the snail farmer the period of aestivation means the loss of valuable growing time. If as a snail farmer your snails begin to enter this state, note that it’s an indication that you have not provided them with a conducive environment. *Recommended solution* is to do 

regular wetting of the pen and increase mulching with dry leaves of whatever represent their artificial habitat

👉🏽 *STOCKING:*

 Its is pertinent to ensure that stocking is done based on space available for the snails. As much as possible, Overcrowding or over stocking should be avoided as this has some effect on snails breeding. Overstocking often 

results to cannibalism, mortality and inhibited growth of snails. It is therefore advisable to 

stock snails depending on the housing size and the sizes of snails. The stocking rate for hatchlings is *40 to 50 per square meter, Growers snails 35 snails per square meter and Adult Snail's 10 to 20 per square meter*

*SELECTING SUITABLE BREED FOR FARMING*

When starting up a snail farm, it is advisable to get snails directly from snail farmers or 

forest instead of buying from the market after they have been exposed to sunlight and have been dehydrated. This is because snails drink a lot of water, so are easily 

dehydrated and this stresses them out, and reduces their fertility capacity. Alternatively,The 

intending snail farmer could pick the snails from the bush with a very simple technique; clear a little portion of land during rainy season and sprinkle juicy fruits 

like pineapple, pawpaw, plantain, banana etc. at about 5o’clock in the evening, 

when you go back there about 7pm or 8pm, you will pick up snails suitable for rearing. Repeat the procedure until you get enough quantity. Picking up snail eggs littered in the market place where it is sold or buying it, is not advisable, however you could be lucky to have hatchling from such eggs , because some of them must have lost fertility 

due to the exposure to sunlight. You start feeding the picked or bought snails and gradually you raise a snail farm.

*IDENTIFYING COMMON GIANT* *AFRICAN SNAILS* 

*SPECIES AND ITS FEATURES*

There a lot of snails species, but for the purpose of small scale commercial scale snail farming, we would be discussing the 3 major African giant land snails suitable for successful and profitable snail farming 

👉🏽 *ARCHATINA FULICA*

It is a species of large, air-breathing land snail,a terrestrial pulmonate gastropod 

mollusk in the family Achatinidae. It is the smallest in size among all the desirable species for rearing in Africa. Achatina fulica has a narrow, conical shell. The AF snail 

also known as the garden snail . . The tail end is unusually sharp just like the AA. This snail 

has very pointed tail and Dark shell. The shell is commonly having a light coffee colour 

but colouration varies with environmental conditions .Adults of the species may 

exceed 20cm in shell length but generally average about 5 to 10cm. The average 

weight of the snail is approximately 32 grams It lays up to 200 to 400 eggs in a clutch and can lay that up to 2 to 3 times in a year

*ARCHACHATINA MARGINATA*

This is called the big black snail or giant snail. It is commonly found in the forest along the coast of West Africa. This is the most common snail found in Nigeria amidst Achatina Fulica.The shell has a mottled color of black, brown and white and very thick. The shell collar is 

pink. The skin color is dark grey. Some small breeds of white skin are found in some areas 

usually called Albino snails. At maturity they are 11 to 19cm and weight btw 600 to 800 

grams or more. They grow to full size in their natural habitat from 12 to 14months or more. 

They lay btw 5 to 15eggs per clutch which is usually 2 to 3 times in year and 40 to 80 eggs 

per year as the case may be.

The shell is less pointed than Achatina Achatina specie but rather blunt. Also there are two types of AM OVUM species, we have the one commonly found in the south south and that commonly found in the south west of Nigeria 

*AM OVUM SOUTH WEST*

*ACHATINA ACHATINA*

 Its common name is the giant Ghana snail, also known as the giant tiger 

land snail, is a species of very large, air-breathing land snail, a terrestrial 

pulmonate gastropod mollusc in the family Achatinidae. Giant African land 

snails are hemraphrodites, meaning they possess both the female and male 

reproductive organs. Two snails are still needed for breeding, but they are very 

prolific breeders. Achatina achatina’s shell can attain a length of 200 mm and a maximum diameter of 100 mm. The body of the animal is tiger striped (more pronounced yellow and black) with a pointed tip, AA has a very pointed tail just like AF. Achatina-Achatina is very good for commercialization as well, because of 

its profitability and of the volume of eggs it lays at once. Each achatina lays 100 to 500 eggs at a time in clutches, three times a year. Therefore, if you start a farm with about 1000 snails, in one year you would be getting about 1.5 million snails going by the number of eggs they produces. It is worthy to let you know that however that is true, but For those of us in Nigeria however our climate here does not favour the breeding of AA, as the mortality rate of AA is high because our weather condition is too harsh for it, so we do not recommend it for breeding in Nigeria

*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails 

lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and 

shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked 

snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails 

lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and 

shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked 

snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails 

lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and 

shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked 

snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails 

lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and 

shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked 

snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.*GENERAL FACTS IN SNAIL FARMING*

👉🏽 Snails predate if they lack certain necessities like calcium. More so Matured snails can 

predate on baby snails, It is called *Cannibalism

In snails* so the need for separating/ sorting different sizes them.

👉🏽 And as baby snails they get matured you can bring them to join the Matured or breeders 

from 4months to 6months up.

👉🏽 Bloating in snails occurs when fed with Contaminated and defective water 

👉🏽  Snails kept without free access to calcium supplement will resort to cannibalism and 

self-mutilation in attempt to meet their calcium needs since it is lacking within their 

reach

👉🏽  Excess starchy food which they are unable to digest and get gets stuck in their guts, also 

note that snails can  react negatively to Chlorinated water, hence Rain, well or River sources 

are most advised for use

👉🏽 Drainage system has to be built around the pen wherein Water and condemn engine oil will always be in when it rains replace the engine oil

👉🏽 In the natural setting feeding with natural feeds it can take from 9 to 12 months using formulated feed it can take 6 to 7 months, that is , from hatchlings, ie baby size snails. Formulated feed can be adopted for commercial snail Farming to help fasten the increase in the 

growth rate of the snails for onward sales..

👉🏽 It is more preferable to begin your snail farm point of lay snails to start breeding because they have a longer time to lay than fully matured snails/ old layers. Because as snails grow older the egg 

production diminishes. A Point Of Lay (POL) is a medium sized snail that weighs between 

200 to 250grams and its about 6 to 9 months old. At 8 months up its at sexual 

maturity.

👉🏽 AA and AF snails reproduce rapidly unlike the AM. Although AM eggs are usually 

bigger in size compared to AA and AF snails 

👉🏽 When you notice that your Snails have started laying eggs. Please, increase their feed 

ration and the quantity of fresh fruits and vegetables you give them. Reason, Snails lose 

considerable weight after laying eggs, if they fail to feed well at this time. You might 

witness the death of snail in your pen.

👉🏽 Snails start breeding season from early rain season as it relates to the wild. However 

domesticated snails can still breed in the dry season when environmental conditions 

are in shape. 

 👉🏽 The African giant snails are 

recommended due to its consumption rate and common demands. The reason is that 

this affords you the opportunity of ensuring that the specific species you are using are good enough and easily marketable. More so you are sure of the potential size of the offspring. It also advised to buy your first stocks from  snails farmers 

or Research institutes where the, age, origin or history of the snails is known from 

the beginning.

👉🏽 More so, snails from the open Market is not advisable to start breeding, this is so 

because the handlers are mostly inexperienced and they expose the snails to hatch 

weather conditions ; which makes most of them dehydrated and most time the 

shells are damaged. So such unhealthy snails should not be used as breeder stocks to 

start.

👉🏽 Good Nutrition in snails helps in egg production, growth and early maturity. When snails lack the essential nutritional requirements needed naturally or from formulated 

feeds they will ultimately suffer a loss in weight. We do know that snail’s weight and shell size is a very essential factor in marketing of snails locally or export.

👉🏽 Also inspect the snails for cracks, if any, dont buy them. For your farm use. Cracked snails spend time of reproduction and healing of the crack.

*MAJOR TYPES OF SNAILS FARMING SYSTEMS*

There are three major types of snails Farming system.

(i) Intensive System (Indoor)

(ii) Semi intensive system

(iii) Extensive System (Outdoor)

(i) *Intensive System (Indoor) :* In this system, the snails are managed Intensively in terms of 

food ,Water supply and other management practices. Intensive system utilizes small space 

hence most ideal for people with little space within or around their houses. Examples of 

intensive housing systems are cage, hutch boxes, fenced pens, trench pens, drums or tyres . 

The tyres and drums are not really recommended for commercial snail farming though 

some people use it.

(ii) *Semi Intensive System*: This system is simply a combination of both intensive and 

extensive features except that the snails can be supplied with additional food. Is both a 

natural setting and habitat where you have vegetables planted in the snails’ farm or pen. 

More so, external feed can still be supplied them outside the natural feed already in the 

housing for them.

(iii) *Extensive System (Outdoor)*: In this system is also known as open free range system. 

The semi intensive is known as closed free range system .This is a system that supports 

snails breeding like it’s in its natural habitat i.e. in the rain forest setting. The area or farm 

is planted with vegetables and shelter plants such as Plantain, banana, cocoyam, dwarf 

pawpaw, lettuce, cabbage etc. which helps as a covering and also for the regulation of

temperature and relative humidity. The main advantage of this system is that it is 

inexpensive to maintain because the snails have all they need as it relates to food just like 

in their natural habitat. Unlike in the intensive system where the snails Farmer provides 

everything needed by the snails for their wellbeing. Although the major disadvantage is

the possibility of attacks by snails predators or enemies such as ants and snails can easily 

find their escape root or otherwise theft.

*Recommendation*

The system best suited for commercial snail farming Is Semi intensive and It doesn't really 

require artificial hatchery but if eggs are noticed on the surface it can be taken to a hatchery 

pen for hatching. However if the soil is ideal they are supposed to lay inside the soil and get hatch by themselves .However, in the event of limited space, we recommend the intensive system

*CONSTRUCTING SNAILERY/ SNAIL PEN*

There are several different types of snaileries that can be constructed. However, the most 

important feature of any snailery is that it is escape proof ie it keeps predators out and it 

allows easy access to tend the snails. Note that if you have chosen to use wood for your pen 

construction, ensure you use termite resistant woods.

we would be discussing the following types of pens.

1. *CAR TYRES*

2. *CAGES*

3. *HUTCH BOXES*

4. *TRENCH*

5. *CLOSED FREE RANGE* 

👉🏽 *CAR TYRES*: 

 This method is been used by several people who want to practice snails Farming at an

experimental level. Used tyres of about 4 to 5 are usually used placed on top one another. 

The first two tyres are filled with loamy or humus soil. Then the third and fourth tyres are placed on top .The top is then covered with wire or nylon mesh.The fifth tyre which is reinforced with stones is placed on top weight down the wire mesh.It is necessary to drain water from the tyres at least two times in a week. However it must be noted this method has some weaknesses. During rainy season snails perform poorly in 

tyres. Moreso, because this system looks compacted the growth rate may be inhibited. The 

snails may not also feed so well. Its worse during dry season as the tyre absorb heat and transfers it to the snails, which could result in high mortality.

👉🏽 *CAGES/BOXES:* Cages or box method are prevalent all around us. It is an intensive 

method of breeding with the use of wood material.The cage is like a box and is also called 

hutch .It maybe single or multi chamber(Compartment).A single cage is about 2 meters 

long (7ft) and 1 meter (3ft) wide and 60cm high. It is made of wood with a lid, door or cover 

with nylon mesh netting and mosquito net .The floor is perforated for excess water to drain out. The cage is imputed with high stands or legs of about 15 to 30cm .The legs or stands are in turn immersed in a container of water, wood thinner, used engine oil are added

together so as to prevent snails major predators ants from gaining access to the snails.Cages or boxes are also good for hatchery or nursery of new hatchings

👉🏽 *TRENCH PENS:* This is another breeding method also prevalent around us. A trench is constructed by digging a rectangular trench measuring 2 meter in length, 1 meter in breath and 60cm deep in the ground. The pen may be single or with many compartments . The sides of the pen is built on sandcrete blocks. The lid, door or cover is made of wire netting.Dry leaves like Plantain, cocoa or banana leaves are used to cover the soil before introducing the snails. However, this system has its own demerit being that, it is prone to

flood when there is heavy downpour, if the floor of the trench has been cemented, hence 

its adviced that the floor be not cemented.

👉🏽 *CLOSED FREE RANGE:* 

This method is well known for commercial snail breeding. Free-range or extensive method

usually a method designed to ensure that snails live like though in their natural habitat like we have in the wild. It is usually a fenced area up to 10 × 20 m or more depending on the 

intending snail farmer stocking need or size of land available. Plants, shrubs and trees are usually planted inside which provide for food and shelter from wind, sun and rain for the snails. Plants such as dwarf pawpaw, dwarf banana or Plantain, cocoyam and other shelter 

plants can be planted in a free range system. Free range system and However, free range has two major type, the open or closed free range method. In the open free range methods 

there is no enclosure or cover but for the closed free range method there are enclosures..

*SOIL TREATMENT*

This is however mostly applicable to those practicing the trench pen , cage or hutch boxes system of snail housing. This is the method of sterilizing the soil from any bacteria, fungi, insect, predators in general from accessing your snails causing death. This is the first and most important step before introducing you snails to the pen,this is done in order  to control mortality among your snails. Once you have gotten your stock, soak them in water not more than 10 minute for them to revive from any stress they must have undergone. To treat your soil you put soil in a pot or drum and heat it up on fire till its very hot and hence left to cool off or you boil enough water on fire till boiling point and wet soil generously with the hot water and leave to cool off,when soil cools off  introduce it into the pen and afterward introduce your snail stock. Its important to note here also that it's essential to serve them gluconated water to strengthen weak snails

*HOW TO TREAT YOUR SOIL FOR SNAIL FARMING( in summary)*

Steps to treating you soil for snail farming include;

👉Get your loamy soil from the farm(plantain farm most preferably)

👉Pour the soil inside a pot and  put the pot on fire and let it heat up

👉Stir with a stick until well heated

👉Pour out the hot soil and leave to cool off

👉Afterwards, put soil into pen

*Pls note that this is not necessary if you are use a closed or free range system of farming*

*NECESSARILY THINGS THAT MUST BE IN PLACE BEFORE INTRODUCTION OF BREEDER STOCKS.*

*1. Snail housing:* Snail housing must be well constructed, secured and strong to withstand and keep out predators as well as prevent theft by humans. Proper covering and netting of snails housing unit must be in place to prevent escape of hatchlings and adult snails from the pen. More so, doors that fit well into the wall frames should be used to prevent *rodents, shrews, frogs, millipedes, lizards, and rats’ e.t.c* from gaining access into the snailery or pen. 

*2. Digging of Gutter or Drainage:* The digging of at least 2ft deep trenches or gutter with concrete or blocks round the Snailery or pen and filled with water and pour used or condemn engine oil or kerosene to avoid ants and also mosquito from breeding in the in the water. The water in the gutter or drainage will prevent 

crawling insects like soldier ants, millipedes and centipedes from reaching the snails housing. Also fencing of the snailery is recommended. 

*3. Sterilization of top soil:* This is one of the best way to get rid of ants and other parasites. Sterilization of the top soil before being used as bedding in the snail pen is very important. It helps to eradicate parasites and nematodes and other organism present in the soil. Though this method requires some efforts because it is by way of burning or heating the soil thereby conditioning it to rid of the parasites and nematodes.

*The snails top soil should be replaced regularly every three months*; this is a good disease management 

practice and to maintain good hygiene for the snails in the housing environment. Avoid the use of soil containing harmful chemicals e.g *lead, mercury and salt as top soil.* Acidic soil should also be avoided. 

*4. Moistening of the pen top Soil:*

 Moistening of the pens top soil must be done regularly in the evenings before feeding and in the mornings before feeding. But please note you shouldn't have the soil

Waterlogged it is better to use watering cans or sprinklers to reduce or regulate the amount of water.

Snails like and enjoy humid environment like they do in the wild. This condition enhances their 

bioactivities and development. To reduce moisture loss from the snails pen it is recommended to put 

Plantain leaves at the base to act as cover for the snails. Cocoyam leaves can also be used to cover as shade too. 

*5. Snailery or pen Floor:* When semi intensive systems are used, the floor of the snails’ pen can be cemented before filling the pen with top soil to a very high depth after it has been sterilized. Loamy soil is most recommended as top soil for snails housing. This prevents the entrance of *red ants, termites which* 

*burrow from underground.* If not controlled they can be a threat to the newly introduced snails. 

*6. Environmental Sanitation:* Environmental sanitation should be carried out regularly to ensure safety of snails. The surrounding of the snails farm should always be kept clean, tidy and disinfected .This is to kill. Microorganisms and likely predators around. Weeds and vegetation around the snails pen should be cut down regularly to avoid been a host for predators. It shouldn’t be left bushy. 

*7. Overcrowding*: Overcrowding should be avoided by all means. This is so because it leads to stunted growth, disease infestations, competition for food and space, high mortality rate and decline in 

productivity. Depending on the snails’size and age, an appropriate stocking density should be maintained.

*8. Routine checks and monitoring*: Routine checks, monitoring and close observation of snails in their pen is very vital. Any abnormality in feeding and behavior can be observed and be corrected immediately.

Constant regular monitoring of the snails will improve the wellbeing of the snails newly stocked. Sluggish,

sick and dead should be removed from the snails’ pen to avoid the spread of diseases to healthy snails.

Checking and monitoring of the snails housing will help you to detect any openings in the snails’ pen from where the snails can escape. 

*9. Regular removal of remnants feeds*: This is very important also. Provision of clean water untreated is also good for the snails. More so serving of fresh feeds to snails encourages their smooth growth and development. Left over feeds not removed in the pen may serve as pathogenic disease source to snails under domestication. Snails ingest bacteria from the soil and their immediate environment. This is why waste feeds must always be removed. 

*10. Stressing:* Stressing of snails should be minimized, as it may retard their growth rate. The stress could 

be sudden noise, touching of snails as they creep, rasp or feeds and improper handling. These can cause 

stress to snails. They should also be avoided.

*SNAIL FARMING BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES*

These includes the following activities:

👉🏽 Check the housing units regularly and any dead or infected snails found removed

 👉🏽 *Snail housing:* Snail housing must be well constructed, secured and strong to 

withstand and keep out predators as well as prevent theft by humans. Proper covering and netting of snails housing unit must be in place to prevent escape of 

hatchlings and adult snails from the pen. More so, doors that fit well into the

wall frames should be used to prevent rodents, shrews, frogs, millipedes, lizards, 

rats’ etc. from gaining access into the snailery or pen.

👉🏽 Remove regularly the leftover feeds in the housing as Left over feeds not removed in 

the pen may serve as pathogenic disease source to snails under domestication. 

Snails ingest bacteria from the soil and their immediate environment. This is why

waste feeds must always be removed.

👉🏽Clean and replenish water trays with fresh cool water untreated.

 👉🏽 Clean the pens and the surrounding regularly.

👉🏽 Make sure that the soil is well covered with dry leaves (mulching).

 In the dry season, wet the soil adequately to remain moist always. Many snails aestivate at this time because of low weather temperature and relative humidity.

 👉🏽 Feed the snails after sun-set (6p.m to 7pm) to preserve the freshness of the feeds.

👉🏽 Discourage visitors from entering the Snailery too frequently.

 👉🏽 Do a proper inspection of materials carried to snailery such that they are safe.

Do not use chemicals i.e. insecticides or herbicides inside the Snailery.

 👉🏽 Adequate shade must be provided.

 👉🏽 Snail must be handled carefully.

Fresh poultry dropping should not be added. Mouldy, stale or fermented feed should 

not be given to snails because it contains uric acid harmful to snails.

 👉🏽 The hatchling or young ones require more humid environment and more attention 

than the matured ones

 👉🏽 In snail Farming certain best practices and daily routine are required for the wellbeing of the snails since responsibility and commitment is most required 

here. The construction of the housing must be done by a professional such that the 

right specifications be followed. For instance there should be a water outlet in the 

pen most especially cage system such that excess water can drain out.

 👉🏽 Adequate netting with wire mesh and mosquito net be well fortified to ensure the 

cages or box are well protected against Predators. 

  👉🏽 After snails are introduced into the pen with the required loamy soil,

the snail farmer must observe the snails when they are feed, to see whether the snails are eating the feeds well enough or not. The snail farmer should also ensure that they are given adequate quantity of feed per time.

In addition, in a small scale snail Farming, the soil must always be well drained and moist for the snails’ activities. During dry season, the Snails Farmer must also ensure that the soil is be sprinkled with water. This is so because snails absorb water also 

from the soil and lay their eggs on same

 👉🏽 We encourage closed free range system or an intensive trench pen , Also, Calcium source can be mixed or sprinkled on the leaves. The soil 

can be mixed with powdered limestone as well

 👉🏽 Snails can be feed twice a day, early in the Morning 6:00am to 7:00am.Early in the evening 

6:00am to 7:00am and above. Snails will eat more at night compared to day because they are nocturnal animals, also the soil should be sprayed regularly most especially when it appears to be dried. Early morning and late evenings sprinkling can be done

👉🏽If running a free ranged system, it is therefore recommended to have additional calcium source for the snails need in case there is inadequate calcium from the soil. Egg Shell and snail shell prepared to slight powered form are also natural calcium sources. There are 

conditions necessary for feed intake by snails. And When those conditions are lacking snails may suffer also from poor feed intake..

 👉🏽 The essence of feeding the snails is to aid reproduction and egg laying capacity and increase their 

size. Therefore, be consistently in feeding. They can eat up to 3 – 5 % of their body 

weight in 24hrs. Snails convert feed to body weight when a balanced diet containing 

protein, vitamin, minerals, calcium carbonate and phosphate is given to them.

👉🏽 The feed items should be distributed evenly within the snailery to enhance equal 

feeding opportunity for all the snails. 

 👉🏽 Avoid salt and salty foods since snails do not survive high salt intake..

 

👉🏽 we recommend calcium supplement for those in need of calcium for their snails. It can be Mixed with Water.  and it can be sprinkled on their feeds and also mixed with water or served dry in their feed trays, Once in two or three days 

amidst their normal feed or food.

 👉🏽 Shell whitening is mostly known to be caused by calcium deficiency responsible for shell whitening. So it is advisable to maintain the required conditions and calcium intake for the snails. 

 👉🏽 Avoid foods that are dangerous for snails to eat. Rice, millet, pasta, and other starchy 

foods can cause the snails to get bloated and die. Avoid foods that contain salt. Finally, 

don't feed snails food that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. 

 👉🏽 The snails top soil should be replaced regularly every three months; this is a good 

disease management practice and to maintain good hygiene for the snails in the 

housing environment. Avoid the use of soil containing harmful chemicals e.g lead, 

mercury and salt as top soil. Acidic soil should also be avoided.   

  

 👉🏽 Overcrowding should be avoided by all means. This is so because it 

leads to stunted growth, disease infestations, competition for food and space, high 

mortality rate and decline in productivity. Depending on the snails’ size and age, an 

appropriate stocking density should be maintained. Adult will take 15 snails per meter square, growers 25 and hatchlings 50 per square meter.

👉🏽  Constant regular monitoring of the snails 

will improve the wellbeing of the snails newly stocked. Sluggish, sick and dead 

should be removed from the snails’ pen to avoid the spread of diseases to healthy 

snails. Checking and monitoring of the snails housing will help you to detect any 

openings in the snails’ pen from where the snails can escape.

 👉🏽 Stressing: Stressing of snails should be minimized, as it may retard their growth rate. The stress could be by sudden noise, touching of snails as they creep, rasp or feeds and improper handling.

👉🏽  *FEEDING, BREEDING AND BEST* *MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN SNAIL* 

*FARMING*.

 *FEEDING OF SNAILS*

Feeding plays a most essential role in snail farming, But One major challenge confronting home breeder or domesticated snails is the slow growth rate; which is a result of the low protein content of natural feed materials being fed to snails by farmers’ .There is need to supplement such materials with additional ingredients with high nutritional value to increase growth rate of snails. The quality of snails’ meat would depend on the quality of the feed they consume. When snails lack the essential nutritional requirements needed they 

suffer a drop in weight? There Are different natural feed sources which we have 

treated earlier on feeding in snails; which that can be blended in the right

proportion as compounded feed ratio for snails

Time of feeding has significant effect on the growth of land snails. Land

snails are normally more active after dusk and when the ground is damp and 

their most preferred diets includes unripe pawpaw fruits, chaff from

fermented milled maize .They show a distinct preference to moist feed such as 

snails feed ,powdered shells which are moistened with water before offered to 

them. Feeding activities in snails depend on the weather, because they have preference for juicy fruits, leaves and vegetables to dry ones. In most snails 

farm they are usually fed at varying time depending on the preferred time of 

the farmer but especially in the morning

*CALCIUM AS PART OF SNAIL DIET*

WHAT ARE THE NATURAL SOURCES OF CALCIUM?

There is need for appropriate inclusion of certain nutritional supplements needs 

which includes calcium in snails’ diet. Low calcium intake will slow growth rate and 

cause the shell of the snails to be thinner. The growth and performance of animals 

generally is dependent on the quality of feed consumed. Poor intake of feed will 

ultimately result into poor growth and poor production & development. Snails need 

regular supply of calcium and phosphorus for shell formation, good health and 

maximum egg production. Minerals in the tissue aid digestion, absorption and 

transformation of feed to release energy. For hatchling calcium need is 3.5%-4.5% for 

growers same as for hatchlings while for adult 5.5%.

We shall consider the various natural sources of calcium for snails as follows but 

note they all have their

various levels of efficacy.

1. Egg Shell

2. Bone meal

3. Oyster Shell

4. Limestone

5. Wood Ash

6. Natural Chalk

7. Cuttlefish Bone, etc.

The above listed are the common natural sources of snail calcium. Let’s examine 

each of them

1. Egg Shell Source: Egg Shell is one of natural sources of calcium for snails. However, 

before you make use of egg shell as a source of calcium for your snails; there is need 

to get rid of the inside skin of the egg shell and wash thoroughly. Baking in

the oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121 Celsius?) for around 10 minutes which helps 

to kill any bacteria like salmonella and which makes them more brittle.

2. Bone Meal: This is also another source of calcium supply for snails, 

3. Oyster Shell: Oyster shell is also another alternative natural source of calcium 

carbonate .It contains the percentage of calcium supply need for snails. But it has to 

be the powdered kind.

4. Limestone: Natural limestone is mostly calcium carbonate, It can be made 

powdered mixed with snails feed ration or mixed with the soil which snails can 

ingest to obtain their calcium need from. This can be gotten from Agricultural shops 

or feeds mills.

5. Wood Ash: Wood Ash from hard wood is also a calcium source. It can be mixed with 

the soil in the

housing unit for snails to derive calcium carbonate from.

6. Natural Chalk: is a soft, white, porous sedimentary carbonate rock, is composed of 

the mineral calcite. Calcite is calcium carbonate or CaCO

*HATCHING AND CARING FOR SNAIL EGGS AND HATCHLINGS*

 For farmers using snail pens, when your snails start laying eggs, you should separate 

the eggs from the parent snails to another pen or place called the *HATCHERY*, where

you bury not too deep into the soil, say about 1cm deep into a wet soil, not 

waterlogged. The eggs are watered every other day until they hatch

Do not pick snail eggs with bare hands, wear a glove, or use a spoon, eggs usually 

takes between 21-30 days before hatching. When it is exactly the estimated hatching 

date i.e. from the date of incubation, then you dig up lightly with a spoon to bring 

out hatched snails who could not make their way to the top of the soil because 

hatchlings can only survive 5days after hatching without food, if they remain buried 

and could not find their way to the surface 

Once they hatch, it is very important to feed them with more calcium for the sake of 

their shells, soft vegetables, pawpaw, cocoa yam leaves, cucumbers, lettuce, 

watermelon cabbage etc. They also need special care at this stage of development 

until they get to 3 months old when they can eat

other feed

The size of the hatchlings is also affected by the size of the eggs. The feeding the 

parent snail received before laying the egg also affect the size of the eggs and

ultimately the hatchlings.

Snail eggs need a temperature of 30-32°C of incubation to hatch provided the natural conditions are in place snail eggs will hatch on their own. There is no input of the parent snail to provide any warmth for the eggs for them to hatch apart from 

burying them in the soil. Various length of time occurs from laying

to hatching. 

 When the eggs are hatched on the natural setting of the snails laying inside the soil, 

the hatchlings are put in a separate housing or nursery cages.

From all indications and experiments carried out by most modern day farmers practicing

the intensive system of snail farming, in the area of snail egg incubation and hatching, 

apart from the conventional hatching process. 100% hatching has been proven very

possible and effective using the plastic disposable plate and many snail farmers has 

testified to this fact to have given tremendous results. This has been demonstrated in the 

image below, also, using this method, there are 3 different ways of incubating snail eggs

which includes;

👉🏽 The use of loamy soil

👉🏽 The use of sandy soil 

👉🏽The use of wet cotton wool 

*STEPS INVOLVED*

Get a plastic disposable plate, perforate all sides including lids as demonstrated below, get 

sandy, loamy or cotton whichever is at your disposal , wet the soil, till moist, not 

waterlogged. Carefully pick eggs with a plastic spoon and place in the wet soil, cover with 

the perforated lid and keep safe. Check often and wet at least twice a week if the soil gets 

dry

*SNAIL IN THE ACT OF MATING.*

Active mating taking place in Snails. When they mate sperm from a partner snails is stored in the spermatheca of the ova for fertilization along the Reproductive tract of the snail that 

eventually is played and hatch into young ones. Snails can start breeding or reproducing from 5- to 8 months of age. And 

they do so 3 to 4 times in a year or a breeding season as the case maybe.

*CARING FOR HATCHLINGS*

 Once they hatch, it is very important to feed them with more calcium for the sake of 

their shells, soft vegetables, pawpaw, cocoa yam leaves, cucumbers, lettuce, 

watermelon cabbage etc. They also need special care at this stage of development 

until they get to 3 months old.The size of the hatchlings is also affected by the size of the eggs. The feeding the 

parent snail received before laying the egg also affect the size of the eggs and

ultimately the hatchlings. The soil in the snails’ pen should be rich in calcium 

to facilitate shell formation of new hatchlings.

*Hatchlings feed mainly on tender leaves and fruits like cabbage, lettuce, watermelon, cucumber e.t.c.*

*CARES OF SNAILS DURING DRY SEASON* 

HOW WE CAN TAKE CARE OF OUR SNAILS IN THIS HARMATTAN/ DRY SEASON.                

  This is the period of inactivity in which the aperture of the shell is covered with white calcareous substance called epiphragm. This condition is common during the harmattan period. In this condition snail can survive for months without food and water. Under normal or natural condition snails can aestivate for months without food. Aestivation can be prevented by watering the soil both in the morning and at night and other management practices well observed. Feed and water are always scarce during the dry season as a result of the harsh weather conditions. Fruits, vegetables and tuber are scarce during this period. The snails can be fed with soybean residue, maize chaff but with required proportion which can be gotten from people who process pap for sale and household waste. More effort should be concentrated on the use of compounded feed (Snails formulated feed) in feeding snails, which is readily available at any time or period of the year. Feed, water scarcity and harsh weather conditions during dry season result in too low productivity characterized by loss in weight and little production of eggs. They need enough protein supply to grow faster and bigger and to achieve this you can feed them with animal blood and grounded bone meal from abattoir, and poultry waste as a readily protein supply in abundance and far affordable. Give them enough calcium and limestone which can be gotten from animal feed meal or feed store for them to produce sufficient eggs and if u cant give them loamy or sandy soil. Snails grow faster when there is darkness and enough feeds, fruits, calcium supplement, root crops and vegetables for them to produce high quality and quantity of eggs

*TREATING SICK SNAILS*

When you observe that your snail becomes inactive ,there are three ways you can treat them

1. By using moringa leaf juice

2. By using sap from plantain tree

3. By using scentleaf juice

4. By using a mix of bitterleaf and lemon juice

*BELOW ARE THE PROCEDURES OR STEPS INVOLVED TO CHECKMATE PEST INVASION* 

*OR PEST CONTROL ON YOUR SNAIL FARM*

1. *SOIL TREATMENT*;

Irrespective of the type of system you are rearing your snails in ,you need soil. Soil is the natural platform snails can thrive best. Amazingly, the soil is also 

the natural platform where these pests reside; directly or indirectly, your 

snails are highly vulnerable to pest attack. Knowing the risks surrounding the soil, you really need to treat your soil against all this potential pests.Soil 

solarization is another way of treating your soil. It involves the use of solar radiation with the aid of plain polythene sheet to eliminate pest or pest eggs 

residing in the soil. Ensure you have solarized soil in your snail farm always especially of you are adopting an intensive system of rearing snails

2. *REMOVAL OF LEFTOVER FEEDS*

Most snail farmers are fond of the habit of leaving snail food , especially 

perishable ones like fruits, for a long time till the snails forcefully eat them up 

with the view to avoiding wastage of food. Snail food especially perishable 

ones should be served with 24 hours; any leftovers should be removed and disposed after 24 hours. Stale food attracts pests to the pen and this is not too good for the health of the snails.

3. *PEST REPELLANT PLANT*

Pest repellant plants are crops that naturally make an environment 

unfavorable for pest survival. They are effective in controlling reptiles like snakes. Some are as well good for insect pest, like neem leaves and garlic. 

Garlic and ginger can be dried, grinded and sprayed in strategic positions, 

probably around corners or entrance of the farm on regular basis

4. *REGULAR SANITATION OF SNAIL FARMS*

If you want your snails to be healthy and free from pests, then, you must 

inculcate stringent sanitation practices on your farm. Avoid messy 

environment.Your snails are living organisms, clean their pen on regular basis. 

 

5. *USE OF ORGANIC PESTICIDES*;

Once in a while, mostly after harvesting or before stocking, spray organic pesticides like neem oil and black soap. You can as well include it in your routine practices, they help keep your pen sanitized and eliminate stubborn 

pests from your farm, thus keeping your snails healthy. Tumeric, Garlic and 

ginger(grinded) have been proven to be very effective on snail farming

*CAUSES OF MORTALITY IN SNAILS:*

Snails have many enemies. These include termites, 

soldier ants, frogs, toads, rats, snail eating birds, lizards, and 

larvae of some beetles. 

*Common salt is also poisonous to snails.* 

Over crowding is a serious cause of mortality in snail pens. When 

too many snails are crowded in a pen, they produce undesirable 

secretion which is observed to reduce their productivity. To 

remedy these;

*Examine the pen fence regularly and mend any openings.*

*Use materials that keep out pests from your fence.*

*Maintain the right stocking density in you pen.*

*Keep away poisonous chemicals like common salt.*

*WHAT TO DO WHEN ANTS ATTACK YOUR PEN.*

These are what to do when ants invade your snailery without panic or using of 

chemical or spending money.

A simple process with the benefit of affordability, safety and time saving is to:

*Method 1*

1. Remove the snails and wash them in water to free them from any attacking predator. Be careful while you do this, so you don't break their shells at the hedge or 

drown them in water. Don't commit the mistake of dropping them in water or 

keeping them there to get rid of the ants. Wash them one after the other.

2. Search and remove all discoverable eggs as much as you find. Keep them according 

to hatching procedures.

3. Boil water to boiling point and generously apply the hot water on the soil of the snailery. The water will travel downward to kill all the existing ants, queen ants, 

eggs, larva, pupa, cocoon and all adult ants. When this is done repeatedly as you 

sight them, not necessarily waiting until they attack the snailery, you’ll soon set the area free of their invasion, Once the temperature of the snailery normalizes within 

hours, you can return your snails. No fear of toxin or similar headache.

*Method 2*

Another method you can adopt before they launch an attack or if you randomly see 

them scrambling around your compound or area is to attract them with baits to a 

safe spot where you can unleash judgment on them easily.

Different types of ants can be attracted with red oil, sugar, sugar cane, ripe fruits, 

kitchen wastes, etc.

*Method 3*

Apply wood ash in the event of soldier ant attack

 

Other  three methods of eradicating ants from our snailery

➡use of black oil

➡use of cucumber

➡use of Neem (dogonayaro) leave

Black oil: use black oil to spread around the snail

Pen, if you are using hutch rob it on the leg. It will not allow the ant to climb close to the hutch.

Cucumber: slice cucumber and soak in the water for 3 days and sprinkle the water on the pen.

Boil neem  leave with water and allow the water to cold and sprinkle the snailery with the water  the ants will run away. Please don't use insecticide

Thanks for reading