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INTRODUCTION
Snails are invertebrate (without backbone), shell-bearing animals. They are passive or inactive during the day but very active at nights or dusk.
They are usually found in cool and moist places.
Snail meat is been consumed by humans throughout the world. Snails is high in protein and iron, low in fats .
Type Of Snail Pen/cage
* Tyres ,
* Drums,
* Baskets,
* Trench pen,
* Fence/wall pen,
* Cages,
* Hutch boxes,
* Paddock,
* Free range.
THE SNAIL HOUSE (SNAILERY) -
The Snail House (Snailery) - Snaileries can vary from a patch of fence-protected ground, sheltered from the wind to a covered box if you are breeding in small scale.
For larger population of snails, you can dug a trench or make a concrete pen with soil deep of about 10 inches, and cover it with screen or wire all around to prevent the snails from escaping. Remember that snails can reproduce fast and become pests when their breeding is uncontrolled.
Snails love dark and cold places, but make sure the humidity does not drop to levels harmful to the snails. You can use fresh leaves and cloth that is regularly wet to regulate the temperature.
Also, the wire is useful in keeping away rats and snakes or other predators from eating the snails in your snail farm. But aside from these bigger predators, you should be wary about smaller ones like ants and termites. Your construction must have these predators in mind.
SNAIL FEEDS/FEEDING - HOW AND WHAT TO FEED YOUR SNAILS WITH
* Snails are vegetarian in nature and will accept many/any types of food (excluding salt). Good nutrition is the most important factor in snail growth, egg production and attainment of early maturity.
* Snails feed mainly in the night, at dusk or day when there is rain. Numerous teeth like projections called radula are present in the mouth which serves as teeth.
FEEDS INCLUDE
* GREEN LEAVES
Ugwu, Ewedu, Paw Paw Leaf, Cocoyam leaf, Cassava leaf, Okro, Cabbage, Lettuce.
* FRUITS
Paw paw, Mango, Banana, Pear, Oil Palm, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Water melon.
* TUBERS
Cocoyam, Cassava, Yam, Sweet Potato, Plantain.
SUPPLEMENTARY DIET
Poultry grower’s mash moistened with little water can also be given to snails for increased productivity.
SNAIL BREEDING AND MANAGEMENT
Snails are hermaphrodite possessing both male and female sex organs. Archatina marginata starts to lay eggs as soon as it is sexually mature usually at about 7 – 12months of age.
The incubation period for the snail egg is between 24 – 35days.
To enhance better reproduction, the soil must be loosened for proper exchange of air between developing embryo and the environment.
Movement within the pen and careless stepping on of the soil in the pen should be discourage as this practice could lead to the compacting of the snail pen soil and stepping on the snail eggs.
DAILY ROUTINE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN THE SNAIL PEN
* Check the house units and remove any dead animals.
* Remove left-over feeds
* Clean and replenish the water trough with clean cool water.
* Clean the pen and its surroundings.
* Make sure that the soil is always moistened.
* Make sure that the wire nettings are intact.
* Check the oil inside the gutter round the pen and be sure it could prevent soldier ants invasion.
* Feed the snails with fresh feeds.
DISEASES OF SNAILS
Signs to note indicating the onset of disease condition in snails are:
* The snails will be inactive.
* Feed consumption will be reduced.
* Weight loss is observed.
* There will be dryness of the fleshy part.
* The fleshy part withdraws entirely into the shell.
* Nodules and patches will be noticed on the surface of the snail flesh.
* The shell might be turning white or pale.
MARKETING FOR SNAILS
* There are many outlets for snails sale, The farmer may decide to sell directly in the local market or allow middle men to buy the snails in bulk.
* Snails are also in great demand by caterers, hotels, restaurants, beer parlous and eateries.
* Snails are also exported abroad.
Tags:
Snail Farming