how old for snails?

[Suzle87]

I have been feeding Ventress the odd snail from the 'can-o-snails' but my god, I am going to have to throw them out before the smell kills me!!
Just wondered what age would you guys say is okay for feeding live foods? and more specifically for feeding snails with shells on? going to order him some but thought I best check with you lot first as watching him lick his normal food for hours has made me ponder whether he would know what on earth to do with a snail?!

[Whnthsungoesdwn]

This is not answering your question but what brand of canned snails are you using? I use zoomed and they basically have no smell at all

[splashy07]

I buy those canned snails for when mine get picky about eating, they seldom refuse those. Thing is the can is so tiny some of my big guys (and girls) can eat the whole can at once. I have never fed shelled snails, I know they're a favorite in the wild but it just scares me to do that thinking the shell could hurt their insides somehow. I am probably a too overprotective a skink mom but that's just me. I've fed them to all ages of skinks past two months of age. If you have leftovers refrigerate them, with the little can cover they come with, I've not noticed a smell but my sinuses are garbage.

[Suzle87]

This is not answering your question but what brand of canned snails are you using? I use zoomed and they basically have no smell at all

how long have you had them open? after a week mine started STINKING! so gotta throw them out, they are zoomed.

[Whnthsungoesdwn]

Oh, I’ve only had mine open for 2-3 days. I wonder how long they are good for once open?

[Suzle87]

Oh, I’ve only had mine open for 2-3 days. I wonder how long they are good for once open?

I’m not sure, don’t think it says on the tin anywhere, il have a look around online and see if I can find out!

[Suzle87]

Oh, I’ve only had mine open for 2-3 days. I wonder how long they are good for once open?

I’m not sure, don’t think it says on the tin anywhere, il have a look around online and see if I can find out!

Well that was easier than I thought, in zoomed faq it says they are good for about a week once opened and keep in fridge.

[Whnthsungoesdwn]

Oh, I’ve only had mine open for 2-3 days. I wonder how long they are good for once open?

I’m not sure, don’t think it says on the tin anywhere, il have a look around online and see if I can find out!

Well that was easier than I thought, in zoomed faq it says they are good for about a week once opened and keep in fridge.

Ah good to know. Maybe that’s why some get so stinky! I guess try to use them up sooner or throw them out (hate throwing them out because they aren’t cheap!)

[splashy07]

Mine never last more than a day with all the skinks I have, so no worries on keeping...but then again, I wouldn't keep any food once opened more than a week.

[Angcious]

As mentioned, mine could easily go through a whole can at one time but I use them for treats and try to make the can last a little while.
For what it's worth, freezing them seems to work out fine. I think one time I used ones that had been frozen for a month. As soon as I open the can, I take a few out but spread the remaining on a cookie sheet (so they freeze individually instead of as a clump), then put in the freezer. Once they're frozen (doesn't take long) I put them in a Ziploc bag. Whenever I need a couple, I just grab and let thaw. Otherwise, sometimes I'd forget about them and throw half a can away because I knew they were too old!

[splashy07]

I'd do the same if I needed to store. Great idea. Never any leftovers here with 12 skinks, breeding rats, breeding bugs, etc. !! Too bad that tiny can of snails is so darn expensive!
They seem to like things like that and a lot of insects when first out of brumation or coming off season.

[Suzle87]

As mentioned, mine could easily go through a whole can at one time but I use them for treats and try to make the can last a little while.
For what it's worth, freezing them seems to work out fine. I think one time I used ones that had been frozen for a month. As soon as I open the can, I take a few out but spread the remaining on a cookie sheet (so they freeze individually instead of as a clump), then put in the freezer. Once they're frozen (doesn't take long) I put them in a Ziploc bag. Whenever I need a couple, I just grab and let thaw. Otherwise, sometimes I'd forget about them and throw half a can away because I knew they were too old!

That's a great idea!! next time i get him a can I'll do that. He is going to have to just put up with what food we have left for a week now though! best get blending!!