how to feed snails?

[bigmatt76]

thank you to all of you who posted comments in my snail thread. you have all been a huge help? one more question? how do i get my snail to eat the veggies and which veggies are the best ones to buy? do i just throw the veggies in the tank or do i way them down with a rock or something

matt

 

[CaptnDan]

I have Veggie Wafers that I put in the tank for mine. They seem to really like it. I just break off a piece and drop it in. They find it with no problem.

 

[plah831]

matt, I find it really helps to blanch the veggies. That just means to cook it a little bit in boiling water until it softens. Many snails aren't capable of eating live plants, so fresh veggies would present the same mechanical challenges. That, or they just don't recognize it as food. Just try whatever veggies you have around, and see what they like. Mine love spinach, romaine, carrots, squash. I just pop them into a microwaveable container of water and nuke for about 1-2 minutes. Easy as pie!

Then you'll need to weight the veggies so they stay submerged (where they can get to 'em). I usually just stab them with a fork and let the whole thing sink. You could also buy a Veggie Clip to stick to the side of the tank. Or just put it under the corner of a decoration/rock. Whatever works!

But they're not picky eaters at all. While snails are primarily herbivorous, they do need some protein and appreciate some leftover fish food. I used to try to give mine expired flakes, but most wouldn't stay submerged. So I've also switched to a mainly (sinking) algae wafer diet for them. But they do love their fresh veggies

 

[bigmatt76]

thanks a bunch for all of the info. it has really been a big help.
matt

 

[plah831]

you're totally welcome! That's why I'm here