Last Updated on May 24, 2023 by ellen
Learn how to make a snail terrarium for your pet snails. This simple snail enclosure is an easy snail habitat that looks stunning.
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Table of Contents
How to Make a Snail Terrarium
Keeping snails can be such a rewarding hobby. Garden snails are easy to care for. If you want a low-maintenance pet, land snails are a great option.
Land snails make great pets for younger kids that need a low-maintenance pet. Here’s how to set up an easy snail enclosure.
Or, if you want a snail habitat kit, check out this one. This snail terrarium kit would be easy to use. It’s a simple snail cage setup for the common garden snail.
What do pet snails need in a habitat?
Pet garden snails need a humid environment. An excellent way to provide humidity for your snail is to create a terrarium.
Most pet snails are pretty happy in a simple habitat like a small tank. You can find almost everything you need for your snail at pet stores.
And you can find supplies to make this habitat at gardening stores.
What is a terrarium?
A terrarium is a small enclosure that contains plants and animals. The word “terrarium” comes from the Latin word “terra,” which means “earth.”
A terrarium can be made of many different materials, but the most common is glass. Glass tanks are easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
Can garden snails live in a terrarium?
Garden snails can live in a terrarium, but it is essential to provide the proper environment. Garden snails need a humid environment and plenty of places to hide.
Why should I make a terrarium for my pet snail?
There are many benefits to making a terrarium for your pet garden snails. A terrarium creates a microclimate for your snail. This means the tank can maintain a higher humidity than the surrounding air.
A terrarium also provides a safe environment for your pet. A tank with a lid will keep out predators and pests.
A terrarium is also aesthetically pleasing. A well-made terrarium can be a beautiful addition to your home.
How do I make a terrarium for my pet snail?
You will need a few basic supplies to make a snail habitat:
- A glass tank or container. A fish tank or aquarium is a good option. You can also use a Mason jar, a vase, or any other type of glass container.
- A lid for your glass container. This can be a piece of glass, plastic, or metal.
- Gravel or small rocks.
- Charcoal.
- Potting soil.
- Live plants. Make sure to choose live plants that do not need direct sunlight and are safe for pet snails. Spider plants, ferns, moss, and ivy are all excellent options. Do not use plastic plants. Snails need real plants.
- Decorations. This is optional, but you can add shells, bits of wood, or anything else you like. This gives your pet snails a hiding place.
- Plain water. It’s essential to keep your soil moist.
What if my glass container doesn’t have a lid?
Your tank must have a lid, or your garden snail will climb out. You will need a removable lid to add water and food.
If you don’t have a lid, you can make one by putting plastic wrap over the top and securing it with a rubber band. Add small holes so that some air gets in for your little snail.
What kind of potting soil do I need for a terrarium?
The potting soil you choose for your small tank needs to be well-draining. This is because pet snails are susceptible to drowning.
You also need to avoid using soil that contains chemical fertilizers, as these can be harmful to your snail.
Can I use regular dirt in my snail tank?
No. You should not use regular dirt or garden soil in your snail house. Regular dirt can contain chemical fertilizers and pesticides that can harm your pet snail.
You also need to avoid using soil that contains clay. Clay-based soils do not drain well and can hold too much moisture. This can lead to problems such as mold growth.
The best type of soil to use in a tank is a potting mix or potting soil. This type of soil is designed to drain well and does not contain harmful chemicals.
Where can I find garden snails?
If you live in an area where snails are native, you can probably find snails in your garden. As a general rule, you can buy snails from your local pet store if you don’t have a garden.
How do I care for my snail?
Feed your pet snail a diet of vegetables and fruit. Snails love lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
You can also give your snail a calcium supplement with their food to help them grow strong shells.
Change the water in your terrarium every week. Remove any uneaten food, as it will start to rot and release harmful bacteria.
Clean the glass of your tank or container as needed.
You should also handle your snail regularly. This will help your pet get used to you and make them less likely to bite.
What do snails eat?
Feeding pet snails is easy. Most snails love dandelion leaves and many fruits. Avoid citrus because it’s not good for snails.
If you use dandelion leaves, ensure they do not have pesticides or exhaust fumes on them.
They may enjoy cuttlefish bone for calcium. You can find it at a pet store or right here.
Remember, providing fresh food like fruit for your pet is essential. This will ensure they have a healthy shell.
When should I clean my snail habitat?
You should do a deep clean of your snail house every six months. Remove all the plants, decorations, and gravel. Wash the glass with warm, soapy water.
Replace the gravel, plants, and decorations in your tank. You can also add new plants to your terrarium during a deep clean.
How often should I handle my snail?
You should handle your garden snail every day. This will help your snail get used to you and make them less likely to bite.
How do I know if my snail is happy?
A happy snail will have a healthy shell and an active body. If your snail is not moving around or its shell looks damaged, it may be sick.
If you think your pet snail is sick, take them to a vet specializing in exotic pets.
How do I set up my terrarium?
Wondering how to make a snail terrarium? Keep reading.
1. Start by adding a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of your glass tank or container. This layer will help with drainage. You can add them in layers to make it visually attractive.
2. Next, add a layer of charcoal. This layer will help to keep your tank clean and free of odors.
3. Then, add a layer of potting soil. Make sure the potting soil is moist but not wet. Use a clean spray bottle.
4. Now, it’s time to add real plants to your tank. Gently remove the plants from their pots and place them in the soil. Leave enough space between the plants in your tank for your snail to move around.
5. Once you have added all your plants, it’s time to add your decorations. This is optional, but it can make your tank more aesthetically pleasing. Consider shells or small rocks for your snails.
6. Finally, add a layer of water to the soil. This will help to keep the soil moist.
7. Place the plastic lid on your tank and give it a few hours to adjust to its new habitat.
Your snail tank is now complete! Now that I’ve shared some basic tips for snail care, I hope you’ll consider a garden snail a pet.
Why not try two snails as pets in your habitat? Two snails are always better than one.
Related Reading
- Pet snail care
- Can you have a pet snail?
- Good snail names
- Snail gifts
- Best fish for kids
- Dog deterrent spray
- How do snails eat
- Cleaning a guinea pig cage
- Best pets to keep in a tank
How to Make a Snail Terrarium
Learn how to make a snail terrarium for your pet snails. This simple snail enclosure is an easy snail habitat that looks stunning.
Materials
- A glass tank or container.
- A lid for your glass container.
- Gravel or small rocks.
- Charcoal.
- Potting soil.
- Live plants.
- Decorations.
- Plain water.
Tools
- trowel
Instructions
- Start by adding a layer of gravel or small rocks to the bottom of your glass tank or container. This layer will help with drainage. You can add them in layers to make it visually attractive.
- Next, add a layer of charcoal. This layer will help to keep your tank clean and free of odors.
- Then, add a layer of potting soil. Make sure the potting soil is moist but not wet. Use a clean spray bottle.
- Now, it’s time to add real plants to your tank. Gently remove the plants from their pots and place them in the soil. Leave enough space between the plants in your tank for your snail to move around.
- Once you have added all your plants, it’s time to add your decorations. This is optional, but it can make your tank more aesthetically pleasing. Consider shells or small rocks for your snails.
- Finally, add a layer of water to the soil. This will help to keep the soil moist.
- Place the plastic lid on your tank and give it a few hours to adjust to its new habitat.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.