Achatinidae (Agate Snails)

Origin: Africa
Length: Up to 20 centimeters
Age: 3 to 7 years
Agate snails are snails that make their own spirally wound shell. In case of danger, it can completely withdraw into the shell.

Experience: Novice holder
Food: Plant and animal
Feed adult: Daily
Feed young: Daily
Water bowl: Yes
Water change: Daily

Power supply
Agate snails mainly eat plant foods such as leaves, fruit and vegetables, but also dead animals, decaying material, algae, mushrooms and manure. It is advisable to offer a varied diet. Examples of suitable foods are cucumber, carrot, lettuce, endive, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet potato, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, beans, spinach, tomato, banana, apple, pear, melon, mango, strawberry, papaya and dandelion leaf.
In addition to vegetable food, they also need some animal protein. This can be done by giving them soaked dog biscuits, turtle food, fish food or special snail food. To build their cochlea they need calcium and it is important that this is available.

Water
To ensure the high humidity in the terrarium, a water dish and spraying the terrarium are necessary. The water in the tray should be changed daily and watering should be done 2 to 3 times a day.

Cleaning It is important to clean the terrarium properly. Therefore remove uneaten food every day and remove faeces before feeding the animal again. Replace the bottom material once a month or a few times a year and then immediately clean the rest of the terrarium (including the interior). If you use cleaning products, it is important to rinse everything well after the time. Always wash your hands thoroughly after coming into contact with the animals or the terrarium.

Handling
Agate snails are generally easy to pick up, but will initially withdraw into their shell, when they are used to being picked up, they often do not do this anymore. Please note that the cochlea is very thin in growing snails and can be damaged quickly.

Housing
Minimum enclosure size for this 4 snails: 60x30x30
Day temperature: 22-26C
Night temperature: 20-22C
Hours of light: 12-14 hours of UV light
Humidity Level: 75-85%
Soil cover: Cocopeat, non-fertilized garden soil, beech chips, kitchen roll, newspapers

Design
This species likes moisture, so choose a ground cover that retains moisture. To achieve this high humidity, the terrarium must be sprayed regularly. The enclosure must offer different temperatures. There should be both warmer and colder areas for the animals to choose from. Provide a bottom of at least 5 centimeters so that the snails can dig if they want to.

Behaviour
Diet: Omnivore
Lifestyle: nocturnal, terrestrial

Character
At dusk the snails come to life and start looking for food and a partner to mate with.

Points of attention
Agate snails cannot withstand direct sunlight.

Cost and Purchase
Legislation:-
One-off costs: This includes the costs for accommodation, lighting, heating, water bowl, plants and other decoration. This can cost a few hundred euros in total. The final amount depends on the quality and size of the products.
Fixed costs: Fixed costs include the costs for the feed, which is a few tens of euros per year.
Unexpected costs: Costs are incurred when your animal happens to become ill or your equipment breaks down.