I started collecting my snail's during the rainy season, this is because they are most randomly available during this period. It all started during the rainy season when snails are mostly found crawling around during the early morning or late evening hours. I would wake up early before sunrise or go out after a light rainfall with a flashlight and a bucket in my hand and collect the Achatina Achatina species. This species is the largest, and the most widely grown for commercial purposes.
I collected wood from unused woods in uncompleted buildings to build a small wooden box house for them using simple materials . I got an iron net with well ventilation openings but strong enough to keep prey from accessing the snails.
To prevent ants and other insects from disturbing the snails, I raised the box slightly above the ground by placing it on small bricks at each corner. I made the floor of the cage moist and added dark soil to retain the moisture of the cage.
Once the box house was ready, I carefully transferred the snails into their new home. I placed some vegetables, watermelon and water to keep the cage moist as I earlier mentioned . I made sure to always keep the environment damp but not waterlogged by spraying water gently in the mornings and evenings.
Caring for the snails has been an enjoyable routine. Every day, I check the box for any escapees, clean out uneaten food to avoid decay, and add fresh fruits and leaves. I observed their growth and behavior in the cage and reactions towards the feeds I gave them. I noticed they were more active, healthier, and even started laying eggs in the soil.
This small project has turned into a learning journey. Building the snail box house taught me basic carpentry skills, responsibility, and patience. I now plan to build more boxes and expand the snail population gradually, this is because snails reproduce on their own especially when the environment is conducive. The long-term goal is to grow it into a small-scale snail farm that can provide meat for the household and be able to create extra income to expand the production to a more self-sufficient snail business.
In conclusion, collecting snails and building a small box house for them has been a rewarding experience. With very minimal resources and consistent care and time to check your snail, anyone can start snail rearing at home. It not only teaches self-reliance but also opens doors to agricultural opportunities that are often overlooked and can be easily carried out at the comfort of your environment, without needing a lot of resources and space to start and to maintain…thanks for sharing in my little beginning.