Snail Farming Business

Snail farming is a good agribusiness activity although it may not be as popular as fish farming, cattle rearing, piggery, and the like.  Nevertheless, there is a shift in the trend of agribusiness and more and more people are getting into the business of rearing snails because of the potential inherent in the business. 

This discussion here in this article will help throw more light on what snail farming is and how you can start the business of rearing snails to make profits.

What is Snail Farming?

There is not so much explanation needed when it comes to talking about snail farming. Everyone knows that snail farming involves rearing snails for money-making purposes. Housing and feeding the snails are the major activities required for the business of rearing snails. 

Also, check out Nigeria’s Young Farmers Network.

What do you need to start snail farming?

It is essential to understand the requirements as a beginner or a person who is interested in snail farming before you go into the area fully. Part of the requirements involves 

Snail housing

Your snails are not meant to be roaming freely, doing that means you have set a means for them to escape freely. You need shelter for them. A shelter where they are secured and the environment is enabled for the activities.

You can use materials such as wood, plastic, or cement to construct the snail house. Also, ventilation is another important aspect to consider when preparing a shelter for your snails. 

Soil

Snails love and thrive in nature. Therefore, the provided environment must have soil rich in organic matter, moist and well-drained. You need to ensure that the soil contains the right nutrients and free from excess chemicals and is not prone to housing pests and insects.

Feeding

Fortunately, snails are not heavy eaters and do not necessarily depend on a special type of feed for their food. Mostly, they feed on natural food such as leaves, fruits, and vegetables. Furthermore, they are consumers of food containing calcium to develop their shells because they need calcium for the growth of their shells. 

Water

The provision of water and an adequate supply of it is essential for any animal-rearing business. Snails need water just the same way other animals like cows.

Starting a snail farm requires creating a channel to regularly provide for the snails.

Temperature and humidity

You must know that snails thrive in humid and warm environments. Therefore, an environment with a temperature between 20°C to 25°C, and humidity should be around 80% to 90% is perfect for the breeding of snails.

Health management

You may think that snails are not required to check on their health because of their size and living conditions. However, this is wrong because snails require health monitoring as much as you are rearing them. Check them regularly for signs of illness or injury to attend to their health needs when due.

Is snail farming a good business?

Many people are skeptical about snail farming and I understand their concerns about this attitude. Popularity is one reason and the return on investment is another one.

Although these reasons are not entirely invalid, however, the truth remains that snail farming is a profitable agricultural enterprise in Nigeria. It is a nice investment for anyone looking for long-term investment. 

Nigeria has a suitable climate for snail farming, which makes it easy to raise snails all year round. In addition, there are other reasons why you should consider snail farming as a good business to invest 

High demand

There is a high demand for snail meat across Nigeria because of its nutritional value and sumptuous taste. 

Low competition

Compared to other livestock farming, there are fewer snail farmers in Nigeria, which means less competition and higher prices for snail products.

Low capital investment

Snail farming requires minimal capital investment, and the production costs are relatively low. This makes it a good option for small-scale farmers.

High returns on investment: With proper management and good market access, snail farming can yield high returns on investment.

Sustainable and environmentally friendly: Snail farming is sustainable and environmentally friendly since snails do not require large amounts of feed or water, and they do not produce waste that pollutes the environment.

Benefits of Snail Farming

Simple to Farm

Snails are simple to farm and require little upkeep. They may be raised in small spaces and tolerate a variety of climate conditions.

High Reproduction Rate

Each snail can lay up to 100 eggs at a time, indicating that snails have a high rate of reproduction. As a result, a large population of snails can be established quickly.

Snail farming is a sustainable farming method since it has a little negative environmental impact. Because snails consume a range of organic stuff, such as leaves, fruits, and vegetables, it is simple to provide them with food from nearby resources.

Income generation

Growing snails is a lucrative business that can bring in money for farmers. There is an increasing demand for snails.

Health Benefits

Snail farming is believed to have health benefits, including the ability to improve skin health, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation.

Also, check out Titus Fish Nutritional Facts and Benefits.

Tips For Snail Farming 

Here are some vital tips that you need to consider when you want to get the best out of snail farming as a beginner or even a professional.

Research and Planning

Research and planning are the initial steps in launching a snail-farming enterprise. You need to learn more about the costs associated with starting a business, the market need for snail farming, and the industry itself.

Choose Appropriate Land

For survival, snails need a damp, chilly environment. As a result, you must locate a suitable piece of land with the proper climate, soil, and humidity. Moreover, no pesticides or other substances that can be harmful to snails should be present in the area.

Establish a Good Snailery

You must build a snailery, which is a building where the snails are kept. The snailery needs to be adequately aired, have room for the snails to roam about and be safe from predators.

Marketing and Sales

You need to identify potential buyers for your snails. You can sell them to individuals, restaurants, or cosmetic companies. You can also sell them online or at local markets.

Keeping of Records

Maintaining proper records of your snail farming business’s costs, sales, and inventory is crucial. This will enable you to keep an eye on your company’s success and make wise judgments.

Set up ideal conditions

With sufficient ventilation, a damp, chilly atmosphere is ideal for snail growth. Make sure the snailery is properly aired, is at the ideal humidity and temperature, and is free of predators and pests.

Choose wholesome breeding stock

As a breeding stock, it’s crucial to choose robust, disease-free snails. This will guarantee that the progeny will be disease-free and healthy as well.

Give them a Well-Rounded Diet

Many organic materials, such as leaves, fruits, and vegetables, are consumed by snails. Provide them with a well-balanced diet that includes all the necessary nutrients

Control Breeding

Snails have a high reproduction rate, and this can lead to overpopulation and reduced growth rates. Control breeding by separating male and female snails and monitoring their reproduction rates.

Harvest at the Right Time

Harvest snails at the right time to ensure maximum growth and productivity. This is usually after six months when the snails have reached maturity.

Products From Snail Farming

A range of goods is produced by snail farming that can be consumed or utilized cosmetically. Snail farming yields a variety of goods, including:

Snail Meat

Snail meat is a delicacy that is enjoyed by people from many different cultures. It is a healthy meal choice because it is low in fat and high in protein.

Snail Eggs

Snail eggs are consumed in some cultures as well and are said to have therapeutic benefits.

Snail slime

Snail slime is a widely used component in skin care products and other cosmetics. It is thought to offer hydrating and anti-aging qualities.

Shells

Because they come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, snail shells can be utilized as decorative items.

Snail feces can be used as fertilizer because it is rich in nutrients.

Best Species of Snails for Snail Farming 

It is best to go for the best of the best Species if you want to go into snail farming. However, the best species for snail farming depends on the climatic conditions, market demand, and availability of the species in your location. 

Some of the best species to check out include:

Achatina achatina

One of the biggest species of snails is Achatina achatina, and it is widely cultivated in West Africa. Due to its size and superior meat, it is a highly sought-after species.

Archachatina marginata

This huge species of snail, called Archachatina marginata, is another that is regularly raised in West Africa. Its fast rate of reproduction makes it a valuable plant for farming.

Helix aspersa

Helix aspersa is a type of snail that is frequently raised in North America and Europe. While smaller than the African species, its meat and slime are in high demand.

Helix pomatia

Another frequent kind of snail raised in Europe is the Helix pomatia. Its meat and slime are highly sought after, and it is larger than Helix aspersa.

Final Notes on Snail Farming Business

Gradually, snail farming is gaining popularity among all other kinds of animal farming because it is easy to establish and has good market potential. Snail farming is not capital intensive and has high huge returns of investment.

Starting a snail farming business requires so price and exposure to certain information. Therefore, anyone interested in this agribusiness should read this to gain one or two pieces of knowledge on snail farming as an agribusiness.

Before you go, check out Honey and its Health Benefits.