Who are achatins?
Achatines are giant snails native to Africa, which in recent years have become a real discovery for lovers of exotic but unpretentious animals. They grow up to 20 cm in length, have a beautiful twisted shell and smooth calm movements, which can be watched for hours. At first glance it seems strange to get a snail instead of a cat or hamster, but it is achatins that are perfect for those who want a pet with no odor, noise, allergies, fur or need for attention 24/7.
Achatins require almost no daily interaction, they don’t make noise, smell or chew on furniture. They can be kept even in a small apartment – they take up very little space. In addition, snails Achatina hypoallergenic and suitable for children who are just getting acquainted with the responsibility of a living creature. They are slow, calm and are not capable of causing harm. They are also true aesthetes. Smoothly moving on the glass or leaves, achatins create an amazing calming effect. They are known as living anti-stressors.
Keeping conditions
The most important thing for the achatina is to create a suitable habitat for him. An ordinary aquarium or a plastic container with a lid can become an ideal home. The volume – from 10 liters for one snail. If you plan to breed a couple or more, get a container of at least 20-30 liters. Do not forget about the holes for ventilation: the air should circulate, but do not create drafts.
At the bottom of the terrarium poured coconut substrate or special soil without fertilizers, which holds moisture well. It should be regularly moistened, but do not flood – achatins should not swim in the mud. The optimal temperature for life is +24…+28°C. In the cold season you can use a heat mat. Humidity is maintained by spraying water from a sprayer – twice a day in the hot season and once a day in winter. Lighting should be soft, natural, without direct sunlight.
Be sure to put a flat bowl of water (no more than 1 cm deep) for bathing and moisturizing the body of the snail. Do not forget to clean the walls of the container from mucus, and change the substrate completely at least once every 3-4 weeks. This is a simple care that does not take much time.
What to feed an achatina and how to care for it properly
Achatins are vegetarians who adore fresh vegetables, fruits and herbs. The basis of the diet is cucumbers, carrots, zucchini, lettuce, apples, bananas. But it is important to remember: not all food is suitable. Forbidden products – salt, sugar, dairy, citrus fruits, fried foods, bread and all spices. Even a crumb of salt is deadly to a snail.
Be sure to provide your snail with a source of calcium, otherwise its shell will be weak or deformed. The best options are sepia (inner part of cuttlefish shell), crushed eggshells, snail chalk or mineral blocks.
Feed akhatin once a day. Remains of food should be removed every morning to avoid gnats and fungi. Snails drink water from vegetables, but there should also be a bowl of fresh water for moisturizing and bathing.
Grooming an achatina
Bathing a snail is a light washing under a stream of water at room temperature (once every 1-2 days), during which you can lightly clean its body or shell with a soft brush. After bathing, it is better to keep the snail for a few minutes on your hand or a towel, so that it dries a little. The shell can be smeared with a drop of olive or coconut oil – this improves its shine. But you don’t have to.
What else is worth knowing: life expectancy, reproduction
Achatines are long-lived among mollusks. In home conditions, they can live from 5 to 10 years, and some even more. It all depends on the conditions of content, diet and temperature regime. They are very hardy, but sensitive to dry air and cold. If the temperature drops sharply, akhatin can hibernate, close the shell with a film and stop eating. This is a defense reaction, and if you create warm conditions again – he will wake up without problems.
One of the most interesting features of achatins is hermaphroditism. Each individual has both male and female sex organs. This means that two snails can simultaneously fertilize each other, and both will lay eggs. They reproduce quickly: there can be up to 200 eggs in one clutch. If you don’t want to own an army of snails, it’s better to keep one or keep an eye on the laying and remove the eggs in time.
Interesting facts about Achatina snails
A few facts that are sure to surprise you:
– Achatins can memorize their owner by the smell of their hands.
– They have teeth! About 25,000 tiny teeth on their tongue, which they use to rub their food like a grater.
– They are able to climb up vertical glass, and the mucus they leave behind is a natural antiseptic.
– Their brains are very simple, but they are capable of learning: some owners have noticed how achatins begin to respond to light, voice or touch.
Conclusion
The achatine is a unique creature that combines simplicity of care and deep calmness. He does not require much – only heat, moisture, vegetables and a drop of your attention. But it gives an amazing feeling of harmony. If you are looking for a pet without noise, allergies and fuss, but with a certain exotic zest – akhatin will be the best choice. And who knows, maybe it is with him that your love for animals will begin – calm, quiet and unexpectedly deep.
