Gebruiker:Chescargot/Technical key factors to successful production

The technical key factors to successful snail farming may be ordened in maslov pyramid style. The primary factors that are in the base are; feeding, population density, and hygiene. When the snail's requirements on these factors are satisfied, a healthy snail population may be maintained with minimum migratory (escapatory) tendencies.

In the second layer are; climatological conditions and physical environment. When, the snail's requirements on these factors are satisfied in addition to the above, then the snail population may grow, develop and prosper.

In the top layer is regular operation and maintenance; which is, on top of the afore mentioned factors, a prerequisite for an economically viable snail farming business.

Feeding

Balanced and properly measured feed must be distributed periodically and evenly. When any of these criteria are not met, snails will tend to move to better pastures and escape rates are likely to increase. Conversely, when these criteria are met, the snails tend to stay put and prosper.

Hygiene

Hygiene is extremely critical to maintain a healthy and prosperous population. Hygiene is increasingly compromised with higher population densities (when snails would reside in excessive waste) and less cleaning activities.

Climatological conditions

Ideally, the following climatic conditions should be maintained in each phase of snail farming:

Ideal climatological conditions in snail farming

	Temperature		Humidity		Daylight		Ventilation
	Day	Night	Day	Night	Day	Night	Day	Night
Hibernation	3-7°C		<60%		Shade
Breeding	20-24°C	18-20°C		>80%
Incubation	20-24°C		Moist		Shade
Hatchery	°C	°C
Nursery	°C	°C
Fattening	°C	°C		>80%
Purging	°C	°C

Regular operation and maintenance

Snails are highly sensitive to regularity. Irregular feeding, handling, erratic climatisation generate stress and disorientation amongst snails, as a result of which reproduction drops, growth becomes irregular or stagnates, and mortality increases. Therefore, iron discipline shall be maintained in the routines, and key factors shall be kept within the critical margins at all time.

For example;

• When there is a risk of a cut in water supply, the farm shall have sufficient water in store to overcome the spell.
• When power cuts do occur, alternative power sources shall be available to keep the sprinklers running.
• No fogging at daytime, and stick to the same hours.
• Routines that involve snail handling, such as cleaning with hoses, shall be done with care and at set times when snails are least disturbed.