How to do a good job of daily management in field snail farming

1) Field snails breathe through gills in water, and field snails will die when the dissolved oxygen per liter of water is lower than 1.5 mg or when the water temperature exceeds 40°C. In hot seasons, increase the water flow rate to control the rise in water temperature and ensure sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water body. It is strictly forbidden to let in water sources polluted by pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Usually adopt a micro-flow water form and keep the water level at about 30 cm.

(2) The growth and development of field snails are extremely closely related to the soil in the farming pond, especially to the pH of the soil and the content of ammonia and nitrogen. Therefore, the daily management of field snails should take corresponding measures according to the specific conditions of the soil in the field snail farming pond.

(3) Mixed compost is a soil improver. For every 100 sq m of pond, 100-150 kg of compost can be applied to improve the soil. But the compost must be thoroughly decomposed; otherwise, it will produce a large amount of harmful gases and inhibit the reproduction of microorganisms, thereby affecting the growth and development of field snails.

(4) In order to promote the rapid growth of field snails, in the high-temperature seasons of spring and autumn when field snails feed vigorously, new water should be injected frequently, and the water should be changed frequently. It is best to use flowing water to fill the pond and farm in a semi-flowing water mode. Aquatic plants can also be grown in the pond, such as water taro, water hyacinth, etc., to help field snails shade themselves and avoid the heat.

(5) In cold weather, field snails enter the soil to hibernate. At this time, change the water 1-2 times a week, and scatter some chopped rice straw into the water body to help field snails overwinter. Field snails fear heat but not cold, and they will not die if kept out of water for several days in winter.

(6) Field snails have few diseases. The focus of daily management of field snails is managing water and paying attention to the harm of natural enemies such as leeches and spiders, and also preventing ducks, cats, snakes, rats, and birds from entering the pond to prey on the snails.

(7) Field snails are suitable for shallow-water, micro-flow water farming. The pond water depth should preferably be 25-30 cm, and in the breeding season and high-temperature period, the pond water flow should be maintained even more. During hibernation, field snails burrow into mud holes, leaving only a small round hole on the mud surface to breathe. To maintain sufficient dissolved oxygen in the water, change the pond water once every three or four days. Also install anti-escape facilities to prevent field snails from escaping.

(8) Field snails are very sensitive to pesticides, herbicides, petroleum products, and industrial wastewater, so daily management of field snails should include preventive measures. Chlorinated tap water is also not suitable for direct use in field snail farming.