question about giant African snails?

Question

if a snail that's not 'been' with another snail lays eggs are they fertilised and will they hatch? I understand that snails are hermaphrodites but does this mean they self-fertilise? How long will the eggs take to hatch and how much can you sell the babies for, if anything? Thanks!

Answer 1

No, they must have a second snail for fertilization, they cannot impregnate themselves. I hatched some out a few years ago, I think it took around 10 days or so. There are numerous sites on them under the acromym GALS (giant African land snails) They are actually illegal in many places because of their potential as an agricultural pest which may limit your ability to sell them to pet stores.

Answer 2

okay to start up there are 2 substantial types. Achatina, including the biggest land snail Achatina achatina, or tiger snail, and Archachatina. permit's think of you're taking 2 of the biggest Achatina achatina, you could want a tank this is a minimum of 40cm x 35cm x 45cm. you should use one in all those large plastic storage packing packing containers. try to get one as clean as a threat. you assert you prefer to reproduce them. what's going to you do with the toddlers? some human beings in basic terms won't be able to offer them away, because of the fact they are incredibly consumer-friendly to reproduce. in case you the place going to reproduce them, you may desire to get residences lined up for them earlier you enable the eggs to hatch. Or attempt to get some rarer snails, that way there could be a miles better call for for the toddlers. different than the tank the snails will want a thick layer of peat, this is seen the excellent substrate, this is large for containing moister and you are going to be able to re-cycle it. by using re-cycle I advise wash, dry and sterilize it, quite than paying for new substrate each and each month. They consume maximum vegetables and fruit, dandy lion leaves are a widespread of my snails. greater durable vegetables including carrot and potato might desire to be par-boiled first. in addition they want cuttlefish or yet another source of calcium, floor egg shell, organic chalk etc. they want this to maintain a wholesome shell. maximum species of snail are large at room temp, some like it warmer the place you could might desire to apply a warmth-mat. this is greater helpful to repair this to the area of the tank quite than below. Moister is quite significant for snails. The substrate might desire to be moist in any respect circumstances. I spay mine with a mister two times on a daily basis to ward off the peat from drying out. you may desire to get rid of the poop, each and every 2-3 days. If the tank is in basic terms too clean it would desire to reason wellness issues for the snails. Weekly you could bathe the snails, place them in a shallow dish and pour tepid water over them. I even tend to hold the snail in one quit the sink, and cup water over them with the different hand. They love baths, it additionally keeps mites away. Then month-to-month, I empty the tank, replace halve of the peat for sterilized, and clean the aspects. If there is something you do no longer understand or have greater questions, you could digital mail me