Is Copper Sulfate dangerous to snails?

[katatsumuri]

I was researching the ingredients of several fish foods, reptile foods, and even furry pet foods (hamster, chinchilla, etc) to find a suitable staple for my snails. They love their food they are eating now, but it never hurts to add some variety to their diet.

I noticed several, almost all pet foods contain Copper Sulfate. First, I assumed this is dangerous and should be avoided. However, I just now discovered the food I have been feeding them for months with amazing success, contains Copper Sulfate as well!! I have even been feeding it to the new tiny tiny babies I am raising up. I haven't lost one, and they're growing like weeds.

So....well I am just cureious. Is it actually dangerous? What do you think?

[coyote]

I did a quick google search and found this: "copper sulfate is used as a molluscicide to kill certain target species of snails as a method of controlling swimmer's itch." I didn't spend any time trying to find out details such as the amount used, though.

I'm not sure what to say. If it was me, I'd discontinue those foods and stick to the ones I knew were safe.

[katatsumuri]

I agree, however it's unbelievable how many commercial pet foods contain Copper Sulfate! My snails are having a fit because I stopped giving them their favorite food (due to it contaning Copper Sulfate). I am trying different foods to find a suitable replacement, so far they're not too exited about any of the new foods. A few noms and the food goes bad...with the old food they would clean their plate everytime. *sigh*

[katatsumuri]

After a maddening search for a commercial pet food that doesen't contain copper sulfate, I finally found a handful of fish foods that are free of it. However, they contained...MSG >_<

So, I abandoned the idea all together. I just wanted to feel like I could go to the pet store and buy the snails their "snail food" like other pet keepers do for their pets. *sigh*

But on the bright side, I have become inspired to try creating my very own snail food recipe. I was inspired my Paul's "Snail Mix" but I want to take it in a different direction. We'll see what happens.