Did you know snails are good pets? In addition to their impressive shape, snails are quite adorable and easy to care for. However, keeping snails is not trivial. Unlike other pets such as dogs, cats, hamsters, or rabbits, snails are quite difficult to hold. Therefore, most people are quite confused about playing with their pet snails. However, you don't have to worry. By following the guide below, you can safely play with your pet snail!
Step
Part 1 of 4: Creating a Safe Playing Environment
Step 1. Wash your hands first
Before you start playing with the snail, you need to wash your hands thoroughly. Hand washing can protect snails from bacteria and chemicals that come from your hands.
- Use antibacterial hand soap.
- Hand wash with warm water.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly so that no soap remains.
Step 2. Secure your play area and snails
Before playing with snails, you need to make sure that the room where the snails play is safe. By doing this, the snail won't get hurt so it can play with you in peace.
- Move other pets (such as dogs or cats) to another room. Dogs or cats may injure snails or even eat them if left in the same room.
- Tell relatives or people at home that you will be playing with snails. By doing this, your playing time will not be interrupted.
- Turn off the TV and music. This is very important to do so that you can concentrate when playing with snails.
Step 3. Play at night
Evening is the perfect time to play with the snails. Snails sleep during the day and are more active at night. If you invite the snails to play during the day, the snails may not want to play with you and may even hide in their shells.
The best time to take the snails out to play is 6pm-8pm, depending on your schedule and where you live
Part 2 of 4: Lifting Snails
Step 1. Let the snail crawl into your hand by itself
The best way to lift a snail is to let it crawl into your hand. This is the safest way to lift snails. Lifting the snail by pulling its shell or body may damage the shell or even injure the snail.
- Place your hands flat on the bottom of the snail cage.
- Move your hand slowly towards the snail.
- Let the slug crawl up and up your hand.
Step 2. Raise your hand slowly
Once the snail has climbed your hand, you can slowly raise your hand. Make sure you raise your hand slowly so that the snail doesn't startle or fall.
- After lifting and removing your hand from the cage, gently bring your hand to the table surface.
- Place your hands flat on the table surface. After that, let the snail move.
- Do not shake the table or move your hands suddenly.
Step 3. Lower the snail onto another surface
After lifting the snail and moving it out of the cage or to another part of the cage, gently lower your hand and let the snail go down on its own. Remember, you have to let the slug move as it pleases as it explores new areas.
- Lower your hands slowly.
- You can lower your hand to the part of the cage that snails rarely visit. This is the safest option for snails.
- You can also create a special aquarium for snails to play with. Decorate this aquarium with rocks and obstacles. You can also place your snail's favorite treats (such as lettuce, cucumber, and apple) into this tank.
- Do not place snails on the floor. Snails may be stepped on by you or someone else.
Part 3 of 4: Interacting with Snails
Step 1. Let the snail move as it pleases
When you're ready to play with the slug, let it roam as it pleases. By doing this, the snail will be happier when playing because it can roam freely.
- Let the snail move in your hand freely.
- Let the snails play in the aquarium especially. If you spread your snail's favorite treats in the aquarium where it plays, the snails will move to find the treats or check the area around them.
- Do not encourage the snail to move while it is moving. Snails can get hurt. In addition, the snails may be frightened so they will hide from you when invited to play.
Step 2. Gently stroke the snail shell
When the snail is in a good mood, you can gently pet its shell. Touching or petting a snail's shell is one of the best ways to interact and play with it.
- Gently stroke or touch the snail shell.
- Caress or touch the snail shell in the direction of the groove.
Step 3. Play gently
You have to touch and play the snail gently. Snails are fragile and easily injured animals. Therefore, you should pay attention to the things below:
- Never press on a snail shell.
- Move slowly while holding the snail.
- Understand that snails are fragile animals.
Step 4. Don't hold the snail too often
While snails shouldn't be picked up by hand, there are a few things to keep in mind if you really want to pick them up. This is very important to consider because if done the wrong way, the snails might get hurt.
- Do not lift the snail with a sharp object.
- Do not lift the snail from the shell. You can lift the snail shell if you want to move the snail that is in the shell. When doing this, make sure you lift the snail as gently as possible so that the shell is not squeezed.
Step 5. Do not touch the area around the opening of the snail shell
When handling a snail, never touch the area around the opening of the snail shell. Snail shells grow in the holes. Therefore, this area is very fragile and sensitive.
Hold the snail shell with two fingers. Place your fingers on top and back of the shell
Part 4 of 4: Ending Snail Playtime
Step 1. Return the snail to its cage safely
After playing with the snail, you need to put the snail back in its cage safely. This stage is very important so that the snails are not injured when transferred to the cage. Also, if you're too hasty, the snail may get scared and hide in its shell when invited to play later.
- Remember, place the snail slowly and gently.
- Make sure the snail is placed in a safe location and its body is not upside down. Do not place snails on twigs, rocks, or other objects in the cage.
Step 2. Wash your hands
After playing with the snail, you should wash your hands thoroughly. Snails can transmit bacteria and diseases that can harm the health of you and those around you.
- Use warm water.
- Use an antibacterial soap.
- Rinse with enough water and don't forget to wash the area between your fingers.
Step 3. Close the cage tightly
After the snail is returned to its cage, you must close the snail cage tightly and securely. This is important because if the cage is not closed properly, the snails may escape and eventually disappear.
- Place the cover over the cage.
- Make sure the cage cover is tightly closed and there are no holes.
- Tighten the cage cover clamp until it is secure.
