Snail farming is one of the simplest work you could ever find yourself in because it does not require any form of expertise or professionalism at all so it is something anybody can do. Snails can be reared in snail pens or enclosures. There must be regular water supply when the pens are dry or if you are going for commercial you may get a sprinkler system to keep the snails moist and a drainage system, to provide light and shade, and to kill or keep out pests and predators
The following factors should be considered when choosing a site for snail farming
- Climate
- Wind Speed and Direction
- Safety
Soil Characteristics
One of the factors you have to consider before embarking on snail farming is Soil,Soil plays a major role in snail's housing. Soil composition, water content and texture are important factors you have to consider in selecting a site. The snail's shell is made up mainly of calcium which is derived from the soil and from feed. Snails also derive their water requirements mostly from the soil. Snails lay their eggs by the digging the soil and to rest during the dry season.
Because of all this factors it is crucial that the soil is loose and that its calcium and water content is high. Heavy, clayey soil cannot be used because it becomes waterlogged in the rainy season and compacts during the dry season while also sandy soil is not advisable because of its low water holding capacity. Soil that are too acidic should be avoided because acidity would interfere with the development of the snail’s shell but there is a solution for that if you are to use a too acidic soil u can neutralise it with lime.
The most desirable soil for snail farming is a soil with high organic matter it can support the growth and development of snails. This can be determined by checking the soil if it is a good growth of cocoyam, tomatoes and leafy vegetables. You must make sure you loosened by tiling. Also. make sure that the soil is damp and not wet, though snail needs moisture you must make sure you drain water away if you are using a waterlogged area.
Snails love dig into the soil and ingest it. So you have to provide a good soil that favours snail growth and provides some of their nutrition because Lack of access to good soil may result in fragile shells even if you are giving them a well-balanced feed; the snails’ growth may hindered. If you are using a container for your snail farming you should make sure that you are changing it every three month because of Chemical changes.
Wind speed and direction
The second factor to consider is how wind accelerates because it affects the moisture content of the soil. To prevent snails from drying out, snail farm should be situated in sites that are protected from the wind. You can site your farm in a downhill sites, preferably those with good tree cover to reduce wind impact. If you Plant trees around snail pens will also help to reduce the wind speed and improve the micro-climate. It will also protect the snails from scorching sun or torrential rain.
Temperature and humidity
Snails are cold-blooded, they thrive best in areas with moderate temperatures and high humidity also when the temperature rises snails go into dormancy during the dry season this is one of the problem of snail farming. So the relative air humidity of your snail farm should not be near saturation, because it would encourage the development of harmful bacteria and fungi. In outdoor situations, it is clearly impossible to control climatic factors.
However, the magnitude of temperature and humidity fluctuations is reduced in areas of relatively undisturbed forest or fairly dense vegetation cover. Such sites should be preferred to open grassland or farmland areas.