Key Technical Points for Winter Management of River Snails
From mid-August to October, preparations are made for hibernation. In the early period, appetite gradually increases, storing up nutrients in preparation for hibernation. Before entering hibernation, their food intake decreases, and it is appropriate to feed them twice a week. When the water temperature drops to around 10°C, river snails begin to hibernate. The winter management and overwintering methods for river snails are: (1) Dry method overwintering: When the water temperature drops to around 12°C, remove the snails, rinse them with clean water, and place them indoors to air-dry.
During the air-drying process, the snails discharge their feces and will no longer come out to move about without contact with water. After 3-5 days, remove snails with broken shells and dead snails, then place them in cardboard boxes. When boxing, place one layer of snails, then a layer of paper scraps or sawdust, then tie them up, and store them in a ventilated and dry place at 6-15°C for overwintering. During the overwintering process, it is essential to prevent freezing damage. When the water temperature rises above 15°C the following year, put the snails back into the water, and they will begin to move and forage. (2) Plastic film covering overwintering: When the winter water temperature drops below 12°C, plastic film should be used to cover the pond surface.
On sunny days with sufficient sunlight, lower the pond water to a shallow level (10-15 cm) to help raise the temperature. At night, deepen the water level to more than 50 cm to help retain heat. Generally, change the water once every 3-4 days to maintain an appropriate oxygen content. At the same time, prevent harm to river snails from natural enemies such as rats and cats. After hibernation, when they begin to wake up, start applying organic fertilizer 1 week before. During the overwintering period, if the water temperature is mostly above 15°C, feed them appropriately. If the water temperature is frequently above 20°C, strengthen the water quality management and feeding management of river snail winter management.