HANDLING SNAILS

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 snail 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 the 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.
ACHATINA RETICULATA - Photo thanks to : ​Mart Harrington
ACHATINA RETICULATA (8 months) - Photo thanks to : Kathy Berner  
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.


​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. 

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​While holding snails

  • Always be vigilante and do not drop the snail
  • Avoid sudden movements
  • Be calm and gentle with your snail
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​Warnings
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​Always make sure any surfaces / hands the snails come in contact with are chemical free.​
Hatchlings with soft shells and/or smaller then ​1cm should not be picked up by their shells.
Children should ALWAYS be ​supervised while picking up ​& handling snails.
After touching snails you should always wash your hands ​with soap to maintain good personal hygiene. 
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. 
​WEBSITE CREATOR
​
The creator of this website is an animal lover fellow G.A.L.S. Keeper. This website was put together in the hope to inform & educate all giant snail keepers to provide the best for their snails.
​​This Website is currently run out-of-pocket, any donations and clicks on affiliate links/ads, are very much appreciated. 
SOURCES

All the information on this website was acquired from personal experience, also from many experienced G.A.L.S keepers &
​from online sources.
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