The Snail Shelter

Snails as a pet don’t get ill easily, but as with any other animals they can become unwell. Here are a few common snail ailments.

“My snail has gone all the way back into his shell..."

This could be because the snail is too cold or dry. Increase the humidity in the tank by spraying lightly with a mister and/or increase the temperature by placing the tank in a warmer room or placing the tank on a heat mat.

“My snail has white stuff sealing her into her shell..."

Snails seal themselves into their shelves prior to hibernation. Your snail may be too cold or to dry (see above) or underfed. To wake your snail up, place it into a shallow container of water that is at room temperature. Watch your snail until it wakes up. Remember to have plenty of food ready for him! Do not try and break the seal yourself, as this will hurt the snail.

“My snail is hanging out of his shell and not moving, and he smells bad..."

Unfortunately, the time has come and your snail has passed away. Just to make sure you can keep the snail in a small container overnight and see if he has moved in the morning, but if a snail smells then that is usually bad news.

“My snail has a white lump on the side of her head..."

This white ‘lump’ is the opening to the snails’ sexual organs. Giant African Land Snails are hermaphrodites, meaning that each snail has both male and female sexual organs, so can mate with any other Giant African Land Snail. However, they cannot fertilise themselves.

GALS with the sexual organs clearly visible as a white 'lump'

“My snail isn't eating..."

Your snail may be too cold or too dry. Increase the humidity in the tank by spraying lightly with a mister and/or increase the temperature by placing the tank in a warmer room or placing the tank on a heat mat. Giant African Land Snails can be fussy eaters. Give your snail a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and see what they like.

"My snail has broken her shell..."

Sometimes, a snails shell will break or peal at the growth point. This can be prevented by not touching or picking up the snail in that area. See here for more damaged shell information.