Introduction
Our Giant African Land Snail care sheet has all the expert guidance you need to ensure you can effectively look after your Giant African Land Snail.
The Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica) is one of the most commonly kept giant African land snail species.
They are one of the best pet snail species as they are easy to look after and feed, and (for the majority of the time) do not require specialist heating.
Originating from Kenya and Tanzania, this species is considered a pest in many countries where it has been accidentally introduced. They are now widespread in Ethiopia, Somalia, Madagascar, Morocco, Ghana and many more regions.
Commonly reaching 12cm or more (shell length) with a typical lifespan of 5–7 years, they are a large and long-lived species.
Interestingly, even snails that live alone may begin to reproduce at around 9–12 months of age (via parthenogenesis). As snails are hermaphrodites (both male and female), this can occur in all individuals.
Housing
There is a wide range of suitable enclosures for Giant African Land Snails. Glass tanks can be used as long as the roof height is kept low. Plastic enclosures are also a popular option.
Heating
This species requires temperatures between 20–25°C. In colder homes, a heat mat controlled by a thermostat may be required. To check temperatures, use a digital thermometer or an infrared thermometer.
Lighting
No additional lighting is necessary, but a small LED light can be used for visual lighting.
Decoration
Snails are prone to dropping from the top of the enclosure, and a fall onto a hard object can damage or even crack the shell, so avoid hard decor.
Plastic food dishes, flower pots, cork bark, plastic plants and flowers are all suitable. Adding sphagnum moss is also helpful as it supports humidity levels.
Substrate
Coir substrate is one of the best options. It can be bought as compact bricks or loose fill. The substrate should be deep enough for the snail to bury itself fully.
Feeding & Supplementation
Cuttlebone should be provided as a key calcium source. Snails rasp the cuttlebone and use the calcium to support shell growth, repair and egg laying.
There is a wide variety of foods you can offer. A protein day should be given at least once per week. This can be provided as fish flakes (ensure they contain no garlic), soaked in water; dried mealworms, crushed and soaked; and (more rarely) pinkie mice may be offered as a treat.
Salad, fruits and vegetables comprise the majority of their diet. All items should be thoroughly washed, as insecticides can linger.
As long as items are free from pesticides, the following are generally considered safe:
- Apple
- Artichoke
- Banana
- Basil
- Beans
- Blueberries
- Butternut squash
- Cabbage
- Carrot
- Cauliflower
- Celeriac
- Cherry
- Clover
- Courgette
- Cress
- Cucumber
- Dandelion leaves
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Kiwi
- Mango
- Marrow
- Mushrooms
- Nettle
- Passion fruit
- Peach
- Peas
- Pears
- Pepper
- Plantains (when very ripe — black and soft)
- Plum
- Pumpkin
- Salad bags
- Spirulina
- Spring greens
- Strawberries
- Sweetcorn
- Sweet potato
- Tangerine
- Tomato
- Turnip
- Watermelon
Further Reading
Our Giant African Land Snail care sheet is designed to cover the basics needed to successfully keep and care for your new pet.
If you want to find out more about Giant African Land Snail care, why not check out our great range of books.
Disclaimer: This care sheet is provided as a general guide based on our experience. Advice may vary between keepers, and best practices can evolve as new research and products become available. Always carry out your own research and consult professional guidance where needed. We will endeavour to keep this information up to date as husbandry knowledge develops.
If you have other reptiles as pets, be sure to check out our other care sheets, including Bearded Dragon, Leopard Gecko, Hognose Snake, Crested Gecko, Hermann's Tortoise & Corn Snake
