Snail farming, also known as heliculture, is an increasingly popular agribusiness that offers great profits with minimal investment.
Maybe you’re looking to start a small-scale snail farming operation at home or want to venture into commercial snail farming, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What is Snail Farming?
Snail farming is the practice of breeding snails for profit or personal consumption.
It involves raising snails in a controlled environment, ensuring they grow healthy and reproduce efficiently.
Snail meat, also called escargot, is highly valued in many parts of the world, especially in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Why is Snail Farming Gaining Popularity?
Snail farming is not just about making money, it’s also a sustainable and eco-friendly business.
Here’s why people are turning to snail cultivation farming:
- Low startup cost – You don’t need expensive equipment.
- High demand – Snail meat is in demand worldwide, especially in restaurants and food industries.
- Eco-friendly – Snails produce minimal waste and require less land compared to other livestock.
- Profitable – With proper management, growing snails for profit can bring in significant income.
Choosing the Right Snail Species for Farming
Not all snails are suitable for farming.
The best species for farm-raised snails depend on climate, market demand, and farming conditions.
Here are some of the most popular types:
1. African Giant Land Snail (Achatina achatina):
- Native to Africa, popular for African snail farming.
- Grows very large, making it a top choice for breeding snails for food.
- Highly reproductive, laying up to 1,200 eggs per year.
2. Garden Snail (Helix aspersa):
- Common in escargot farms, especially in Europe.
- Highly sought-after for gourmet dishes.
- Smaller than Achatina achatina but grows faster.
3. Burgundy Snail (Helix pomatia):
- Another top species for escargot snail farms.
- Slower growth rate but preferred in high-end markets.
| For home snail farming, however, Helix aspersa is a great choice because it matures quickly and adapts well to different environments. |
Setting Up Your Snail Farm
Here are some things to consider when setting up your snail Farm:
1. Choosing a Location for Your Snail Farm:
Snails thrive in cool, moist, and shaded environments.
If you’re planning indoor snail farming, ensure you maintain proper humidity.
For outdoor snail farms, choose a location with:
- Loamy soil – Snails burrow in the soil to lay eggs.
- Shade and protection – Direct sunlight can dry them out.
- Minimal noise – Snails are sensitive to disturbances.
2. Snail Farming Methods:
There are three main methods of farming with snails:
- Extensive Snail Farming – Open-field system where snails roam in a natural habitat.
- Semi-Intensive Farming – A controlled environment with partial freedom.
- Intensive Snail Farming – Full control over feeding, breeding, and growing conditions, often done indoors.
For beginners, small-scale snail farming using a semi-intensive method is ideal.
3. Building the Perfect Snail House:
Just like we need houses, snails also need housing for their survival.
Whether you’re starting a snail farm at home or a commercial snail farm, your snail pen should:
- Be escape-proof (snails love to wander).
- Maintain high humidity (use water sprays if needed).
- Be protected from predators like birds, rodents, and insects.
- Have a moist soil base for egg-laying.
Some types of snail houses include:
- Wooden or plastic boxes
- Concrete pens
- Trench pens
- Free-range enclosures
Feeding and Taking Care of Your Snails
Snails are herbivores and eat a variety of foods, including:
- Vegetables – Cabbage, lettuce, carrots.
- Fruits – Mangoes, bananas, pawpaw.
- Calcium-rich foods – Crushed eggshells, limestone, oyster shells (important for strong shells).
- Grains – Maize, wheat bran, soybean meal (for commercial feed).
Avoid giving them salty or acidic foods, as these can kill them.
Breeding Snails for Profit
Snails are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs.
However, they still need a partner to mate.
– Snail Breeding Process:
- Mating – Can take several hours, usually at night.
- Egg Laying – Eggs are buried in soil and hatch within 2–4 weeks.
- Hatchling Care – Baby snails need proper food and moisture to grow.
To boost snail production, separate breeding snails from the main stock and monitor their mating cycles.
Selling and Making Money from Your Snail Business
Of course, aside from breeding snails for their meat, you can also sell your snails and make money from it.
– Where to Sell Your Snails
Once your snails are ready, you can sell them to:
- Restaurants and Hotels – High demand for farming snails for food.
- Local Markets – Many consumers prefer fresh snails.
- Export Markets – Europe, Asia, and America import farm-raised snails.
- Cosmetic and Pharmaceutical Companies – Snail slime is used in beauty products.
– Pricing and Profitability of Snail Farming
The price of snails depends on the species and location. A mature African giant snail can sell for a sizeable amount in local markets, while escargot snails fetch higher prices internationally.
A snail farm profit estimate:
- 1,000 snails can produce up to 1,200 eggs per year.
- With proper care, 80% hatch successfully.
- Selling each snail at a sizeable amount can generate a lot of money annually.
Common Problems Faced by Snail Farmers and How to Overcome Them
Here are some problems snail farmers may face when raising snails:
- Predators – Birds, rodents, and insects can kill snails.
- Diseases – Fungal and bacterial infections can spread in overcrowded conditions.
- Weather Conditions – Extreme heat or dryness can affect growth.
Here’s how to solve these problems:
- Use secure snail pens to protect against predators.
- Maintain clean housing to prevent diseases.
- Keep humidity levels stable using water sprays.
In Conclusion
Yes! Snail farming is a profitable and sustainable business with low risk and high returns.
On top of that, it’s an excellent investment.
So follow the right requirements for snail farming, take care of your snails, and tap into the snail market, so you can build a successful eco snails farm and enjoy financial freedom.