Simple Guide: Rearing Snails At Home For Consumption in Nigeria

Snails are small soft creatures with a hard shell on its back. They moves very slowly and are mainly seen during the rainy season in large numbers. Snails like moist surroundings at 10°c - 23°c.

Why are snails found on building blocks? It is because they are attracted to limestones. So when building a house for them, mix limestones and a sandy-loamy soil together. 

Setting Up Tyre House For Your Snails At Home 

When setting up a tyre house for your snails, find and place five car tyres on top of each other. The first bottom tyre should be covered with sandy-loamy soil. The second, third and fourth tyres should be left with no water or sand in it. Then the fifth tyre should be covered with net, and a sixth tyre should be placed on it.

Always pick snails with your hands, and sandy-loamy soil formed a hollow shaped cover within the first bottom tyre, with leaves in the second, third and fourth tyres. Sprinkle some water on the leaves. Snails - no salt. Snails like no salt, so do not use salty-sandy soil. Leaves you should use are cassava leaves.

Best Food For Snails Rearing At Home 

Snails eat most in the night and rainy season. Pawpaw waste and egg shells, pap, beans waste and watermelon - are best foods for snails.

Snail Adaptation Rearing At Home 

Remember to change the soil for snails every two weeks. You can add little of limestones to the soil, so they won't feel uncomfortable and thereby finding ways to escape. You can also rear your snails in a clement, or plastered uncompleted building/room - but make sure this room is sealed and not yet painted. Find cassava leaves for them, cover the floor with added limestones. Everyday, put some drops of water to wet those leaves.

For the tyre house, you can also use a large empty bag of rice to cover the fifth tyre, then place the sixth tyre on it.

FAQs 

1. What is a tyre house for snails?

   - A tyre house for snails is a shelter made using old tyres where snails can live comfortably.

2. How do I choose the right tyres for a snail house?

   - Choose tyres that are clean, without sharp edges, and large enough to create a spacious environment for your snails.

3. Where should I place the tyre house for my snails?

   - Place the tyre house in a shaded area with indirect sunlight, away from strong winds and extreme temperatures.

4. What materials do I need to set up a tyre house for snails?

   - You'll need old tyres, soil, small rocks or pebbles, water, and some leafy greens for the snails to eat.

5. How do I prepare the tyres before setting up the snail house?

   - Clean the tyres thoroughly with water and let them dry completely before filling them with soil and other materials.

6. What kind of soil is best for snails in a tyre house?

   - Use organic soil that is moist and rich in nutrients, which helps maintain a comfortable and healthy environment for the snails.

7. Do snails need any special care in their tyre house?

   - Yes, make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged, provide fresh food like vegetables regularly, and check for any signs of pests or diseases.

8. How often should I clean the tyre house for snails?

   - Clean the tyre house regularly by removing old food and waste, and replace the soil periodically to maintain cleanliness and freshness.

9. Can I decorate the inside of the tyre house for my snails?

   - Yes, you can add small plants, moss, or decorations that are safe for snails to create a more natural and engaging environment.

10. What should I do if the weather changes outside my snail tyre house?

    - Monitor the temperature and humidity inside the snail tyre house. If it gets too hot, provide additional shade or mist the area lightly. If it gets too cold, consider bringing the snail house indoors temporarily.