Good temperature for helix aspersa

[smaychel]

I have a brown garden snail (helix aspersa I believe is the right name - please correct me if I'm wrong!). I was wondering if they have different temperature needs to other snails, as they are native here and it is currently very cold indeed outside. It makes me worry that warmer temperatures wouldn't be good for them.

I've not managed to find any breed specific info for these guys, so any suggestions not only for this but also if there are any other differences in keeping them would be much appreciated!

[coyote]

I've kept aspersas for several years. Their needs are generally the same as GALS, except aspersas do not need any supplemental heat. The cooler the better, in fact. Aspersas do best between 10º and 18ºC (50º to 64.4º F). Any warmer and they will simply go into estivation, which is what they do naturally in their native habitat (the Mediterranean). Any colder and they will go into hibernation.

If you are keeping your aspersa at room temperature (with or without central heat) and it is eating and otherwise acting normally, then it is okay. Some people feel it best to let their snails estivate / hibernate, while others feel it is not necessary. Snails can do well either way, so it is up to you.

[smaychel]

Thanks a lot for this, it is really helpful! I am keeping Foolhardy at work where the temperature is maintained about 15 C for the comfort of the animals. There's a thermometer on his tank so we can keep an eye on this, but he was out all over the place today, climbing around and exploring and eating. He seems much more confident than I had expected!

Thanks again

[danikat]

Just out of interest where do you work?

I would love to be able to have snails at work.

[smaychel]

I run an animal shelter in Edinburgh We specialise in small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, rats etc.