Care Guide - Giant African Land Snails

Giant African Land Snails (Achatina spp.) are fascinating, low-maintenance pets when cared for properly. This guide covers the basics to help you get started.

🌿 Habitat

Enclosure:

• Use a glass or plastic tank with a secure lid (not wood, as they can chew through this).

• As an example, two snail would require a tank measuring at least 60x45x45cms.

• Ensure good ventilation but maintain humidity.

Substrate:

• Use coconut coir or soil (free from fertilizers and pesticides). Peat is fine for snails, but often unethically sourced.

• Depth: at least double the depth of your snail’s shell size, to allow for burrowing.

• Keep moist but not waterlogged.

Temperature & Humidity:

• Ideal temperature: 20–25°C.

• Humidity: 70–90%. Mist the enclosure daily.

• Use a heat mat attached to the side of the tank if room temperature drops below 18°C.

Lighting:

• No special lighting needed. Avoid direct sunlight.

• Maintain a natural day/night cycle.

Cleaning:

• Spot clean daily.

• Full substrate change if needed, for example if you find evidence of mites.

  
  

🥬 Food

Staples:

• Leafy greens (e.g. kale, spinach, chard).

• Squash, courgette, sweet potato.

• Fruit in moderation.

• Weekly protein (fish food is a good source).

• Providing a variety of food is key.

Calcium:

• Essential for shell health.

• Provide cuttlebone, crushed eggshells/ oystershells, or calcium powder.

• Snails know how much calcium they need and will seek it out, so avoid putting it directly on their food.

Avoid:

• Salty, processed, or spicy foods.

• Citrus fruits.

• Onion, garlic.

Feeding Tips:

• Feed daily or every other day.

• Remove uneaten food to prevent mould.

  
  

🎲 Enrichment

Climbing & Exploration:

• Add branches, rocks, and hides.

• Snails enjoy climbing and burrowing.

• Ensure any hard accessories are covered in something soft, like moss, to avoid shell damage if a snail should fall.

Bathing:

• Offer shallow lukewarm baths occasionally.

• Helps with hydration and cleaning.

• Avoid pouring water directly onto your snail as this can interrupt their slime coating.

Handling:

• Handle gently and infrequently with moist hands.

• Wash hands before and after to avoid transferring harmful substances.

  
  

🚨 Common Problems

Shell Damage:

• Caused by calcium deficiency or rough handling or falling onto hard objects.

• Ensure consistent calcium supply.

Drying Out:

• Due to low humidity and/or high temperatures.

• Mist enclosure and check substrate moisture.

• Snails control their moisture and heat levels by burrowing into the substrate.

Parasites or Illness:

• Look for unusual slime, inactivity, or swelling.

• Quarantine new snails and consult a vet if needed.

• If you spot mites or parasitic worms, do a complete substrate change and monitor closely.

Overcrowding:

• Avoid keeping too many snails in one tank.

• Monitor for stress or aggression.

• A lack of calcium may lead to snails ‘rasping’ (chewing) on each other’s shells, causing damage.

  
  

📝 Final Tips

• Always research before adding new foods or tank mates.

• Keep records of feeding, cleaning, and health.

• Join online communities for support and advice.