REPRODUCTION IN SNAILS

Giant Africa Large Snails are hermaphrodite in nature by possessing both the male and female reproductive system. Here is a quick rundown of the reproduction stages:

COURTSHIP

Snail reproduction actually starts from this stage. Just like humans, this process involves the search/networking of two mature snails ready for the ceremony of mating.

MATING

This is the second stage in snail reproduction, having located the right partner. The snails begin the mating process, during which sperm are been reciprocally exchanged for the purpose of fertilizing each other. The mating ceremony can take as long as 5-15 hours for mating to complete.

EGGS PRODUCTION

Eggs productions are actually the expected end after mating/fertilization exercise are completed. It takes between 20 to 30 days for the eggs to be hatched after laying. During the cause of laying, snails can wrongly drop their eggs. As a farmer, you are to assist to ensuring proper placement of the eggs (5-15cm) below the soil. You can also consider eggs transfer/incubation.

INCUBATION: Eggs may be incubated in a hatchery. This may be wooden or metallic box or plastic container. The base of the box or container should be perforated before putting humus or loamy soil in it. The lid of the box or container should be of mosquito netting. The collected eggs should be placed in holes dug 3-5cm deep and lightly covered with soil and of course shaded from direct sunlight. The eggs should be watered every other day until they hatch.

Note: Snails can hold back their eggs (refuse to lay) if they sense an unconducive environment. So, ensure your snails are always in good conditions generally.

* Don't assist the about to be hatched snails by removing any shell from it, even when you can see the juvenile inside the shell.

JUVENILE CARE

These are the young/baby snails. After been hatched out of their shell. The juvenile often consume their shells as the first contact to feed and crave for calcium. When they finally reveal themselves from the soil cover, you are to feed them with fresh and wet vegetables, ensure a lot is within their reach as they may not be able to do distance search for feed. You are to maintain this at least within their first 3 months. Now about transfer/separating them: this is where a lot of snail farmers make mistakes by separating them too early.

Note: We earlier mentioned that snails are active at night (nocturnal animal), and as such feed accordingly. This doesn't apply to the juveniles, as babies they can eat whenever they are feeling hungry. They are active night and day.

GROW OUT

This involves the final stage, often referred to by you as big snails. Starting from the point of lay (medium size) to the giant size.