Basic knowledge in Agriculture #6

Hi steemians friends, am so grateful to be one of the participants of this contest.

Explain to us all you know about snail farming

source

Snail farming is the process of raising edible land snails primarily for human consumption or cosmetic use. Successful snail farming requires the correct equipment, supplies, and devices for measuring humidity, temperature, soil moisture, and also a magnifying glass to see their eggs. They also need equipment to regulate water, provide light and shade, and also to kill pests and predators that may affect the snails.

There are some key factors to successful snail farming they are:

Hygiene

Good hygiene prevents the spread of disease and improves the health and growth of snails. Their food is replaced daily to avoid spoilage.

Feeding

Feeding activity depends on the weather. Evening irrigation in dry weather encourages feeding since the moisture makes it easier for the snails to move about.

When you are putting their food, do not put their food in a small clump so that there will be enough space for all the snails to get to it.

Soil

Good soil favors snail growth and provides nutrients to the snails. A farmer must find a way to prevent the soil from becoming filled up with mucus. Lack of access to good soil causes the snails to have fragile shells even when they have a well-balanced feed.

Climate

A mild climate with high humidity is the best for snail farming. The wind is bad for
Snails because it speeds up moisture loss and snails need to retain moisture.

🔥Phases or stages in snail farming

Breeding

Breeders allow the snails to mate with one another on their own and if the snails are in an ideal condition, the breeding process will occur at a higher rate.

Hatchery and nursery

When the snails lay eggs, the pots will be put in a nursery so that the eggs will hatch. After hatching the eggs, the first snails to hatch eat the shells of their eggs, and eating those egg shells will give them enough calcium that is needed for their shells. After that, the young snails will be kept in the nursery for about 6 weeks before moving them to a separate pen.

Fattening stage

In the fattening stage, the snails are grown to a mature size. When the summer temperature is high, and there is insufficient moisture, it causes dwarfing or malformation of some snails.

Harvesting

Snails are mature when a lip forms at the opening of their shell. The largest and healthy snails are kept for the next generation of breeders.

As a snail farmer, there are certain things you must consider when you are choosing your breed.

• You have to consider your local weather conditions before selecting a breed because some snails thrive in warm, humid environments while others prefer cooler temperature climates.

• You must consider their growth rate. While some snails grow with speed, others have slower growth.

• You have to also consider the market demand and do some research to find out the type of snail that is most wanted in the market.

I invite @entity, @ripono630, and @chilaw to participate in this wonderful contest.