| Achatina fulica, the giant African land snail, is one of | | | | Giant African land snails feed on virtually any form of |
| the largest snail species in the world and is a popular | | | | fruit and vegetables and a wide selection is |
| pet among the fans of more exotic pets. Fortunately | | | | recommended to ensure they receive a balanced and |
| these impressive animals are very easy to keep if | | | | nutritionally sound diet. Once should try to ensure |
| you take into account just a few basic points. | | | | that food is changed daily if not consumed, and that |
| Coming from Africa, these snails like a warm | | | | the snails always have food present. |
| environment, and of course humidity is equally | | | | Giant African land snails should also be provided with |
| important if they are not to dry up so a clear plastic | | | | a form of calcium to help their shells grow properly |
| or glass container - such as an aquarium with close | | | | and to remain strong and this is most easily done by |
| fitting lid - makes an ideal home for them. Ideally the | | | | adding a piece of cuttlefish bone - as sold for caged |
| cage should be kept warm using a reptile heat mat in | | | | birds - to the cage. |
| winter and the layer of compost on the bottom of | | | | Kept in this way your snails will rapidly grow and will |
| the cage kept moist at all times. A gentle spraying | | | | live out a long and healthy life. And as these snails are |
| with a plant spray gun is recommended from time to | | | | hermaphrodites you may even end up having babies |
| time. | | | | in time. |