Invertebrate · Land snail
Brown garden snail care guide
Cornu aspersum
The brown garden snail is a beginner-level land snail from Europe and Mediterranean (introduced widely). Adults reach Shell 2.5–4 cm and live 2–5 years in captivity. Regulated plant pest in parts of Canada; never release and buy only where allowed.
- Enclosure 30 × 20 × 20 cm
- Temp 16–24°C
- Humidity 70–85%
How much does a brown garden snail cost in Canada?
Brown garden snail quick facts
- Skill level
- Beginner
- Adult size
- Shell 2.5–4 cm
- Lifespan
- 2–5 years
- Activity
- Nocturnal
- Native range
- Europe and Mediterranean (introduced widely)
- Minimum enclosure
- 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 in, ≈ 3 US gal)
- Housing
- Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal.
- Temperature
- 16–24°C
- Humidity
- 70–85%
- UVB
- Not needed
- Diet
- Herbivore – vegetables, leafy greens, calcium
- Bioactive style
- Invertebrate colony
Brown garden snail enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (12 × 8 × 8 inches). Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal. This species suits a invertebrate colony bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Terrarium Mix6 cm
Leaf litter is food here, not decoration – keep a thick layer topped up. Keep one side damper than the other.
Temperature: 16–24°C. Humidity: 70–85%. UVB: Not needed.
What does a brown garden snail eat?
Herbivore – vegetables, leafy greens, calcium. Offer fresh vegetables every 1–2 days with a cuttlebone always available.
Handling, temperament & health
Gentle; handle with wet hands.
Health watch: Shell damage from calcium deficiency; drowning in deep water dishes.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Nothing needed most days.
Weekly
- Mist the damp side; add vegetables or protein food in small amounts and remove leftovers after 24–48 h.
Monthly
- Top up leaf litter and add a calcium source (cuttlebone).
- Thin out the colony or split it if it gets crowded.
Yearly
- Replace about a third of the soil, which turns into frass over time.
Recommended for a brown garden snail bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (30 × 20 × 20 cm).
Brown garden snail FAQ
Is the brown garden snail good for beginners?
Yes – the brown garden snail is a good choice for beginners. Gentle; handle with wet hands.
What size enclosure does a brown garden snail need?
At least 30 × 20 × 20 cm (about 12 × 8 × 8 inches, roughly 3 US gallons) for one adult. Up to 6 can share; add about 20% more floor space for each extra animal.
How much does a brown garden snail cost in Canada?
Typically $5–15 CAD to buy, about $100–170 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $15–30 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a brown garden snail need?
Temperature: 16–24°C. Humidity: 70–85%.
What does a brown garden snail eat?
Herbivore – vegetables, leafy greens, calcium. Offer fresh vegetables every 1–2 days with a cuttlebone always available.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.