snails keep escaping

[SnailNoob]

I've been having a little bit of trouble. I recently caught two grove snails (cepaea nemoralis) and I keep them in a temporary container, and I don't have the proper cover, and I don't want to drill in holes until I can get a larger container. My problem is, during the day, they keep escaping their "container." I put soil, grass, and even some food for them, but they always seem to escape. It's an even bigger problem when I go out during the day, and I find them out, although they don't go far, they don't seem to just stay in, unless they're sleeping. Can someone give me some tips on how I can lure them easily back into the container, like a certain food, or maybe something to make their environment more "homey." Thanks.

[Paul]

I'd suggest you get some netting, or an old pair of tights and stretch that over so they can't escape. Or get a cheap tupperware tub and puncture some holes in the lid. I always do it with a screwdriver.

At the moment anything would be better, even a book over the top. You can air the tub out a few times per day.

[SnailNoob]

Alright, I will try those steps. Thank you. But also, I want to make sure that my snails are eating well and such. What are some good food ideas that are simple such as fruit or vegetables, and also, their calcium intake, thanks.

[mickysnail]

My nemoralis are good eaters. They will eat almost any fruit and veg. They especially like cantaloupe melon ans sweet patato. Cuttlfish can be placed in the tank for calcium, although, mine are not keen on it. With yours being wild caught it may take some time for them to recignise it as a calcium souce. Mine prefer powdered oystershell (not crushed). If all else fails try crushed egg shell. mickysnail

[Paul]

You need to read this:

www.petsnails.co.uk/care/

[SnailNoob]

Thanks mickeysnail and Paul. I have read all the pages on the website before I got the snails, because I had no idea how to take care of them, at first. I've fed them mango, which they ate, and I have used crushed egg shell, and I've recently seen them eat sliced tomato, with a pinch of salt. I also mist water them regularly. But, I don't think the habitat is "homey enough." Maybe that's why they like escaping? Or maybe because they like to explore a lot?

[mickysnail]

I have'nt had my nemoralis long. I'm still learning. They appear to be a very inquisitive species, Do you have things in for them to climb on such as cork bark or mopani wood? As regards to salt. This can kill snails very quickly. I woul'nt advise adding to the snails food. Hope this helps. mickysnail

[SnailNoob]

I think they're sleeping right now, they've been in their shells for a couple of hours. Whenever they're awake, they usually crawl around the edges of the container. What is mopani wood by the way? Maybe they're cheap, and I can get some. I read up on the site, and it said that salt is only good in small amounts, I wouldn't have fed them if the site didn't say, but I'll take note of it. I'm thinking of putting something in the middle of the container, something for them to climb or hide in, so that they'll be kept busy, instead of escaping.

[lisajane8482]

If there is a wilkinsons near you they sell small storage boxes for less than £2. I have 3 garden snails in one at my mums house, seems like i am starting to spread the snail fever.

[LisaLQ]

Salty foods - Like most animals, snails do need small amount of salt to survive but salt is obviously dangerous in anything but tiny amounts.

Taken from the site. What you have to remember is that a "pinch" of salt might seem like a tiny amount to us, but is a massive amount for a snail.

I assume the above means that the tiny amount of salt that naturally occurs in many foods is ok, but adding salt is a definite no-no!

Also the only way to keep your snails in their tubs is to provide them with secure lids. Of course a snail is going to wander off if you're not even putting a lid on their tank - they're not going to stick around when freedom beckons. It's not really "escaping" if you're effectively leaving the door open and showing them the way out lol

[mickysnail]

Mopani wood Is a decorative wood sold for aquariums andvivariums. It is available in many pet stores or online. mickysnail

[Val]

These are such tiny snails, have a look around in your garden/local park area I am sure you would find some twigs and branches that they could climb on, just make sure you wash them first.

Val

[SnailNoob]

lisajane8482 said:

If there is a wilkinsons near you they sell small storage boxes for less than £2. I have 3 garden snails in one at my mums house, seems like i am starting to spread the snail fever.

No Wilkinsons here, I live in Canada, by the way. I still need to buy a more favourable container for them, a much larger one for them to roam more free in. ;D

lisalq said:

Salty foods - Like most animals, snails do need small amount of salt to survive but salt is obviously dangerous in anything but tiny amounts.

Taken from the site. What you have to remember is that a "pinch" of salt might seem like a tiny amount to us, but is a massive amount for a snail.

I assume the above means that the tiny amount of salt that naturally occurs in many foods is ok, but adding salt is a definite no-no!

Also the only way to keep your snails in their tubs is to provide them with secure lids. Of course a snail is going to wander off if you're not even putting a lid on their tank - they're not going to stick around when freedom beckons. It's not really "escaping" if you're effectively leaving the door open and showing them the way out lol

Lol, well I leave the "door" open because I'd like them to have some freedom. It's just that, even if I put them around food, they don't seem to eat it, I've only seen them feed once, on some tomato, but that's about it. I was just concerned about their health, that's all. I could think they'd like their little "habitat" but they kept leaving, so I figure that I was doing something wrong, overall. I do put a cloth with tiny holes in it, and put it on top, but later when I come back, they're in their shells, and they don't come out for a while. Is this normal?

[Moracai]

They will probably sleep most of the day, comming out to play at night time, or when you give them a spray with water.
try checking in Zellers if you have one near you, or maybe even Canadian Tire, for a storage box, if I remember rightly (it's been 10 years since I lived in Canada) they would probably have some nice storage boxes.