Giant African land snail

Food: Giant African land snails like to eat plants and leaves. They sometimes can eat dead animals too. And are able to, if they need to, go without food for several months.

Size: They are the largest land snails. Their shell can grow as big as 20cm, and they can weigh up to 1kg.

Appearance: Unlike garden snails, their shells are conical-shaped, with beautiful stripey markings. Their ‘foot’ is usually yellowy, but can also be white or black. A snail’s appearance will tell you whether it is healthy or not. If there are no lump or bumps on its body, and the shell is in tact without breaks then it is in good health.

Giant African land snails make excellent pets. They are easy to look after with the right habitat. The key is to keep their home moist and warm using a heat mat. They like to hide too so you’ll need to provide a hideaway like an upturned plant pot. As well as food they need additional calcium; a cuttlefish would do the trick.

Consider rehoming a rescue animal as a pet. There are many charities which have rehoming schemes. Check out your local charity or consider: Blue Cross * Animal Rescue & Care * RSPCA