Whereas hermit crabs take over empty shells for their homes, the land snail produces their own shells.

The most interesting species to keep in captivity are the large tropical ones from Africa and Asia. Their shells can grow as long as 4 inches and they are easy to keep and breed in captivity. However their cages can be difficult to keep clean as they produce large amounts of waste.

By the time they are fully-grown, three or four snails will need a cage measuring approximately 24x12x12 inches. A large plastic or glass aquarium containing 2 inches of fairly coarse pebbles on the bottom and a well fitting ventilated lid is ideal.

Giant snails will eat practically any vegetable material, including cabbage and lettuce. They do best fed on a variety of foodstuffs, including root vegetables, fruit, leaves and garden weeds. A block of chalk or cuttlefish bone should be provided, so that the snails can obtain the calcium they need to make their shells.

Never put fresh food directly onto the pebbles, always place it in a shallow plastic tray. This will ensure that most of the mess will be confined to one area. Remove the tray daily, wash it and put it back in the cage with fresh food.

Every week or two take the snails out of their cage and rinse them in tepid water and give the pebbles a thorough wash as well.