How to start Organic Snail Farming

Open a snail farming is not a very common activity. Nevertheless it is a fast-growing sector. In fact, land snails are in great demand because they are considered not only a delicacy but also a food with important nutritional characteristics.



The potential of a snail farming, therefore, are really high and create an entrepreneurial activity in this field can be a good investment. It is, in fact, a sector that guarantees good earnings and requires no special difficulties. The market related to this activity is, therefore, continues to grow. The interest in livestock production, in fact, has grown a lot in recent years. The business world of snails in 2010 reached 10 billion euros. Despite the crisis, therefore, the consumption of snails continues to grow from year to year.

Here is a simple mini-guide on everything you need to know to start a snail farm.

The snail farming for food sector is still not widespread in the business world and this is because often you do not know well the possible advantages or disadvantages to whom you can go when investing in this field, yet very unexplored. First of all, you can not improvise entrepreneurs from day to day, but it is important to acquire in-depth knowledge on the subject. In addition, to start a farm must have extensive grounds, suitable for the growth of these molluscs.

To start breeding in early spring, are inserted into the ground recited snails mares destined to mate and reproduce. The new born are then fed to fattening, using plants completely organically, without the addition of chemicals, such as chard, cauliflower, radish, broccoli. In addition, some vegetables such as salad leaves are used to allow the snails to protect themselves from too hot in summer and cold in winter. It is important that the snails are reared outdoors, as they need light to grow, so it is necessary to use protective structures to safeguard them so they are not attacked by predators such as rodents and birds. 

Finally, it is important to clean and irrigate the land constantly, so as to obtain a habitat in optimum conditions for the development of snails. All information about the hygiene standards to be met, can be obtained from the regional ASL.

A downside is that, especially in the beginning, the mortality rate of snails is very high, in fact, each snail can produce about forty eggs per year, of which, however,  only half could survive. They will then be placed on the market once they reach adulthood, and that is about two years old.