HANDLING & BATHING

 HANDLING G.A.L.S.

Before picking up and holding a snail one should know the following:

A snail holds it's self in it's shell mainly by use of a strong muscle, called a Mantle. If a G.A.L.S. is handled wrongly one can pull the snails body out of it's shell partially or fully. This will lead to what we call a mantle prolapse or death. A snail can not survive outside or partially outside of it's shell. This is because a snail's internal organs are positioned inside of their shell, and they need their shell to keep everything in place, safe and moist.
A snail's body and shell are partially porous. This means they can absorb nutrients and chemicals from anything they touch. Snail's like to stay moist and will need to produce extra mucus when moving on dry objects.

Thus it is of grave importance to handle snails gently, never pulling on them and to always wash your hands with water (no soap) before handling a snail. Ideally your hands should be wet with water while handling a snails.
If you have wild caught G.A.L.S. then there are some other factors you should know about before handling. ​Please go to : ​

​Picking up a snail from it's shell

When a snail is on coir, food moss or any other surface that they are not stuck to one can simply and gently pick the snail up by its shell, once you pick them up with one hand, quickly place your other hand under the snail's body so as to have the snail rest on your second hand. At which point you can let go of the shell.
 
​After touching snails you should always wash your hands
​with soap to maintain good personal hygiene. 

​Picking up a snail from it's body.

When a snail is on a smooth surface such as plastic  or glass they area bit harder to pick up. One should not pick them up by their shell as they might refuse to be picked up and try to remain stuck in the spot. This can lead to harming the snail. You should place a finger under the G.AL.S. head and very gently slide your hand under the snail's body. Sometime a little water spray can encourage the snail to let go of the smooth surface. Always be cautious, snails can suddenly decide to let go of the smooth surface and fall. So always be ready with both hands. 

​Hatchlings  with soft shells and/or smaller then ​1cm should not be picked up by their shells.

​While holding snails

  • Always be vigilante and do not drop the snail
  • Avoid sudden movements
  • Be calm and gentle with your snail

​Children should ALWAYS be supervised while picking up
​& handling snails.
Snails usually do not like to be held upside down,
it can be very stressful for them. ​
So please avoid it until you are very confident
in handling your snail,​& your snail is used to being handled. 

BATHING SNAILS
Bathing snails is not essential but most snails love it. We advice to bath your snails once a week. This gives you an opportunity to observe your snail closely and make sure there is nothing usual on their shell or body.

There are different ways you can bath your snail, some snails like running water while others prefer a drip or just a shallow pool of water to explore.

​When bathing G.A.L.S. always make sure that the snail's breathing hole is not in water. Snails can easily drown so please be cautious. Also always make sure any surfaces they touch is chemical free. The temperature of the water is very important. Only  use room temperature water. ​

BATHING METHOD 1

Open the sink tap anywhere from dripping to a slow current, & place the snail under the running water. If they emerge & enjoy the water then they like this bathing method. If they retract or avoid the water then they do not like this bathing method. You can hold the snail over the sink or place the snail directly in in the sink.
  • Make sure the drain is open so that water doesn't accumulate​

BATHING METHOD 2

​Fill a bowl or sink with water. Hold the snail in one hand above the water and gently poor water over the snail with the other hand. Some G.A.L.S. are scared of running water, but enjoy a gentle controlled slow poor of water. If the snail retracts or seemed generally disturbed by the water then this method might not be the right one for your snail.

BATHING METHOD 3

​Fill a bowl or tray with a shallow amount of water. High enough for half of the snails body to be submerged but it's shell not be submerged at all. Place the snail inside of the bow/tray ideally by the edge so the snail can easily get out of the bowl if they don't like it. One can also gently spray the snails shell with the water spray bottle. 
If the snails are loose in the sink, do not leave the room.
​Keep a close eye on them.