Foravlik Akhatinka, 100 g is a versatile protein and calcium supplement for land snails, made in Ukraine. It suits all Achatina, Archachatina and Limicolaria species of any age. According to the manufacturer, it speeds up growth and helps form a strong, healthy shell, and snails find its taste and smell appealing. It's recommended for daily use, but the manufacturer stresses that it's a supplement, not a staple food.
Why snails need calcium and protein
A snail's shell is almost entirely calcium carbonate, and it grows throughout the snail's life. With too little calcium, the shell becomes thin and pale, with chips and "steps", and growth slows. Protein is needed for body growth and recovery from damage. In the wild, giant land snails get calcium from limestone, shells and eggshell, and protein from carrion and small invertebrates. In a home terrarium, these sources have to be provided deliberately.
Ingredients
Mollusc shells, raw chicken and quail eggshell, cuttlebone, chalk, cereals (oats, buckwheat, maize, wheat), gammarus, fish meal, meat and bone meal, tricalcium phosphate and a vitamin and mineral complex. There are several calcium sources, while gammarus, fish meal and meat and bone meal provide protein. The cereals make the mix tasty.
Key specs
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| For | Achatina, Archachatina and Limicolaria of any age |
| Calcium sources | shells, eggshell, cuttlebone, chalk, tricalcium phosphate |
| Protein sources | gammarus, fish meal, meat and bone meal |
| Use | daily, as a supplement |
| Weight | 100 g |
| Shelf life | 2 years |
Pros
- Calcium from several sources. For a strong shell.
- Animal protein. Gammarus and fish meal for growth.
- For any age. Suits young and adult snails.
- Tasty for snails. An appealing smell and taste.
- Vitamins and minerals. An added complex.
- Long shelf life. 2 years in a closed jar.
Cons
- Not a staple food. Snails need plant food every day.
- Dislikes moisture. Once wet, the mix spoils quickly.
- No proportions. Calcium and protein percentages aren't given.
- Leftovers must be removed. Otherwise mould appears in a humid terrarium.
How to feed
Put as much supplement in a separate dish as the snail can eat in one go. It's best to leave it overnight, since giant land snails are active in the dark. Remove leftovers in the morning so they don't get damp and mouldy. Every day, offer a variety of plant food alongside it: cucumber, courgette, lettuce, carrot, apple and greens. Keep the jar tightly closed in a cool, dry place and don't let it get wet. It's also useful to keep a piece of cuttlebone or chalk in the terrarium so the snail can top up its calcium itself. Young snails, which grow especially fast, benefit from the supplement every day, adults several times a week.
How to tell if there's enough calcium
A healthy snail has a dense, evenly coloured shell with a smooth "lip" of new growth at the opening. If the lip is thin and see-through, the shell crumbles or has dents, calcium is short — give the supplement more often and check the terrarium's humidity and temperature too. For young snails, the manufacturer makes Akhatinka Junior. More foods are in the reptile food section.
Who it suits
Owners of Achatina, Archachatina and Limicolaria snails of any age who want a strong, attractive shell and an active snail. Everything for terrariums is in the for reptiles section.
Verdict
Foravlik Akhatinka is a handy protein and calcium supplement for land snails: calcium from shells, eggshell, cuttlebone and chalk, protein from gammarus and fish meal, plus vitamins and minerals. An excellent addition to a plant-based diet. The key is to give overnight portions and keep providing fresh vegetables and greens.
FAQ
Can snails live on the supplement alone?
No, it's a supplement; snails need plant food every day.
Which snails is it for?
Achatina, Archachatina and Limicolaria of any age.
When is the best time to give it?
Overnight, when the snails are active.
How much should I put out?
As much as the snail will eat in one go.
How should it be stored?
In a cool, dry place, in a tightly closed jar, kept away from moisture.
Can other snail species have it?
The manufacturer lists Achatina, Archachatina and Limicolaria; for other species, ask a specialist.
How long does it keep?
2 years.
Do snails still need cuttlebone?
A piece of cuttlebone or chalk in the terrarium helps — the snail can top up its calcium itself.
