Giant African land snails won't go in new substrate!

[trojantrow]

Hi. I'm new here thanks for approving my account. We have only just got these snails around 1 month ago and I though it time to change the substrate and clean out the enclosure.

Snails are fine and eat as they should and are active as well. They used to burrow during the day and come out at night. They used to lay eggs and generally seemed fine.

Changed the substrate with what I beleive is the same. (Choir brick.coconunt). Don't know the exact name now and excuse the spelling if incorrect. It expands and soaks up all the water and seems the same as What They had before.

But they dont touch it. they stay at the top of the tank. Come down for food. Go back up.at night they circle the tank then go back up.. if I put them in it. They make for the top again.

Things I've tried are.

Warm water to make sure it's moist. Didn't work. Ended up making it too wet so squeezed all the water out.

Still won't touch it.. sprayed it with warm water and mixed it up. Still won't have it.

So it's been dry, very wet, and inbetween. And they wont have it.

Really need to know why. If anyone can help. Thanks.

[jroberts]

Jun 4, 2017 9:09:16 GMT trojantrow said:

Hi. I'm new here thanks for approving my account. We have only just got these snails around 1 month ago and I though it time to change the substrate and clean out the enclosure.

Snails are fine and eat as they should and are active as well. They used to burrow during the day and come out at night. They used to lay eggs and generally seemed fine.

Changed the substrate with what I beleive is the same. (Choir brick.coconunt). Don't know the exact name now and excuse the spelling if incorrect. It expands and soaks up all the water and seems the same as What They had before.

But they dont touch it. they stay at the top of the tank. Come down for food. Go back up.at night they circle the tank then go back up.. if I put them in it. They make for the top again.

Things I've tried are.

Warm water to make sure it's moist. Didn't work. Ended up making it too wet so squeezed all the water out.

Still won't touch it.. sprayed it with warm water and mixed it up. Still won't have it.

So it's been dry, very wet, and inbetween. And they wont have it.

Really need to know why. If anyone can help. Thanks.

For one, some coir bricks contain slow releasing fertiliser (which snails will usually avoid). Some contain an active fungus to promote healthy rooting (less irritating for snails than the fertiliser, but still may cause avoidance simply because its different to what they are used to).

If possible, id be tempted to change the substrate again and ensure that you are 100% certain the coir is fertiliser/fungus free. I know this seems a waste of a possibly perfectly good coir block, but if it works then its worth while.

[picklepies]

If you've got the packaging still you can check to see if it has fertilisers etc it should say

I have noticed mine will often be on the sides/plants/roof and rarely bury unless their cold or too dry, if they immidiately went to the roof after you changed it it may be the soil, or it could be a change of weather or temps or something which means they just like the roof more atm

You said they're still active and eating so they sound happy enough xx

[trojantrow]

Thanks for the replies. Changed the coir brick for another one from pets at home. I bought the last from another shop. Although it looks the same.

It says it's organic and harmless if digested and but doesn't say anything about fertilizers...but says it's suitable for loads of snail like creatures..

Also bought a bigger tank and put a water bowl in. (Shallow) and some cucumber, carrot and little fish.. (currently eating It)

But I have a feeling once They are finished, they will be off to the top again. It looks identical to the substrate they came in which they were constantly laying eggs and happy burrowing...maybe they aren't happy before.? I don't know.

Seems pointless having a massive deep substrate if they never go in it.

Time will tell.

[trojantrow]

I meant cuttle fish bone. Stupid phone!

[kaidashade]

Could just be they need some time to get used to it. I baked my substrate to clean it and now mine won't come down- same substrate, just sterilised. Hoping they'll get used to it!