Caring for your Garden Snail
Garden Snail
(Cornu aspersum)
Basic Information:
The Garden Snail, also known as the Brown Garden Snail or European Garden Snail, is a small terrestrial gastropod native to the Mediterranean region but now widespread across Europe, North America, and many temperate climates. These snails grow to about 1–1.5 inches in shell diameter and are known for their slow movements, gentle behavior, and fascinating feeding and climbing habits. They are primarily nocturnal, preferring to explore and eat during cooler, darker hours. Garden snails are hardy, low-maintenance, and excellent for naturalistic terrariums or classroom observation environments.
Lifespan:
2–5 years on average, though some can exceed 6 years in ideal care.
Sexing:
Garden snails are hermaphrodites, meaning each individual possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
They still require a partner to reproduce, but there are no visual differences to determine sex.
Enclosure:
Single Snail: Minimum 10” x 10” x 10”.
Group of 3–6: 10–20 gallon terrarium.
Provide vertical spaces, sticks, bark, and plants for climbing.
Substrate:
Use a moisture-friendly mix such as coconut fiber, peat moss, and topsoil, filled deep enough for burrowing. Keep substrate slightly packed to support tunnel stability. Avoid gravel, chips, or dry sand.
Lighting & Temperature:
Day Temp: 65-75°F
No special lighting required
Maintain ambient temperature with heat mats or room temperature
Avoid direct sunlight
Humidity:
Maintain 70-90% humidity with regular misting. Good airflow is essential to prevent mold. A partially damp substrate works well, but avoid making the enclosure soggy.
Food:
Garden snails are herbivores. Offer a rotation of:
Leafy greens (collards, kale, dandelion)
Vegetables (squash, carrots, cucumber)
Occasional fruits (apple, melon)
Calcium is essential for healthy shell growth. Provide a calcium source at all times:
Cuttlebone
Crushed eggshell
Calcium powder on food
Water:
Provide a shallow water dish with fresh water. No sponge is necessary—just keep it clean.
Garden Snails are peaceful, easy to care for, and surprisingly fascinating to watch. Their slow movements, gentle habits, and ability to live in small groups make them wonderful pets for beginners, classrooms, or anyone who enjoys natural terrariums.
Are these Snails available at a Pet Store Near Me?
If you're in Jefferson County, West Virginia, you’re only a short drive from Critters, Reptiles & Exotics in Frederick, Maryland, where you can find healthy Garden Snails, enclosure supplies, and expert guidance on naturalistic setups. There’s always a new adventure waiting at Critters, Reptiles & Exotics!