1. Helix Aspersa (Garden Snail)

Common garden snail, petit-gris (in French cuisine). Small to medium-sized, brown with a spiral shell. Rapid growth, high reproductive rate, and adaptability to various climates.

2. Helix Pomatia (Roman Snail)

Burgundy snail, escargot (in French cuisine). Larger than Helix aspersa, light brown shell with distinct whorls. Highly prized for its flavor, especially in European cuisine.

3. Achatina Fulica (Giant African Land Snail)

Giant African land snail. Very large, can grow up to 20 cm in length, brownish with dark stripes. Large size yields more meat, but can be invasive in non-native habitats.

4. Achatina Achatina (Tiger Snail)

Tiger snail, giant tiger land snail. Large, distinctive striped shell. Popular in African cuisine, highly reproductive.

5. Archachatina Marginata (Giant West African Snail)

Giant West African snail. Large, often mistaken for Achatina species, shell can have different colours. Valued for its large size and flavour.

6. Cornu Aspersum Maximum (Gros-Gris)

Gros-gris. Similar to Helix aspersa but larger. Adapted to farming conditions, good for commercial production.

7. Theba Pisana (White Garden Snail)

White garden snail. Small, white or pale yellow shell with brown markings. Preferred in certain Mediterranean cuisines.

Key Considerations for Farming Land Snails

Environment

Construct pens, hutch boxes, or greenhouses. Ensure they are escape-proof and protected from predators. Use loamy or sandy-loam soil rich in organic matter. Maintain moisture without waterlogging. Keep humidity levels between 75-95%, depending on the species. Optimal temperature ranges from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Avoid extreme temperatures.

Provide a balanced diet including vegetables, fruits, and commercial snail feed. Essential for shell development. Offer sources like crushed eggshells, cuttlebone, or calcium supplements. Maintain moisture in the soil and provide shallow water dishes or mist the food.

Breeding

Set up separate pens for mating pairs. Provide moist soil for egg laying and hatching. Regularly monitor and separate snails to avoid overcrowding.

Maintenance

Keep the enclosures clean to prevent disease. Regularly check snails for signs of disease or stress. Collect snails when they reach the desired size, handle them gently to avoid shell damage.

Conclusion

Farming land snails can be a sustainable and profitable venture with the right species and proper care. By providing an appropriate environment, diet, and regular maintenance, you can successfully raise snails for various purposes, whether culinary, breeding, or as pets.