Anyone keep these before? Found them in my yard.

[cfreidsma]

Hi everyone,

The other day when looking around my yard (West Michigan) I found a few of these. They look like Oxychilus to me after a little searching online. They refuse all food. I tried lettuce, cucumber, some powdered snail food I bought a while back, moistened fish food, moistened cat food, everything was passed up.

Anyone have any info on them? I'm wondering if it is worth trying to keep them or just leave them in my yard.

Thanks

Edit, forgot picture:

[littlegoldsnail]

You could try boiled carrot or pear. I had some really picky pacific side and snails and the only things they loved were boiled carrot and pear core.

[cfreidsma]

Alright, caught some new ones and I am trying some boiled carrot along with just some grated up carrot along with the other foods.

[Liguus]

Yes, oxychilus. The whole family of those snails tends to like to eat a lot of protein, occasionally eating other snails. I wouldn't worry about that happening too much though, just a note to keep protein options for them in captivity. Things like fish flakes and shrimp pellets, or dog biscuits (find ones with no garlic or salt in any of those) are good options for them.

They will eventually eat everything, but the protein is pretty essential. One time someone threw out a pizza box behind my house and I found plenty of Oxychilus on it after a rain storm eating the cardboard and pizza scraps. Pretty much the only native snail in my area, other than some Webbhelix a short drive away or Cepaea nemoralis a cargo train "delivered" downtown.

[cfreidsma]

Good to know. I saw online that these tended to be carnivorous and was wondering what that would mean diet wise. Nice that I can just give them protein and veggies.

They do seem to like the carrots. At least they visit them.

[cfreidsma]

I couldn't find any dog or cat food without salt. I do have stuff like this already though:
www.etsy.com/listing/539061025/wild-caught-wormer-snail-food-protein?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=snail+food&ref=sr_gallery-1-5&organic_search_click=1

Are acids (citric acid and others) or garlic bad in fish foods?

[Liguus]

Yes, Brittany's food is great.

Nutro is a good brand for the dog treats, not sure about every single variety but i've got two kinds that work great.

The citric acids shouldn't be too much of a problem. Snails can even eat citrus fruit occasionally with no issues. The garlic in the fish food may be an issue so I like to stay away from ones that include that.

[cfreidsma]

Alright, I'll look for that food next time I get a chance.