28 January 2016 A bit of theory of reproduction, and a very brief one at that

The age of snails is calculated from the first feeding (about 7 days after hatching).

Copulation takes place when the snails mature (appearance of the birth canal orifice on the right side of the snail’s head). Mature snails are called reproducing specimens.

Soil-filled containers intended for egg laying may be placed when snails mature.

It should be noted that both snail species – Helix Aspersa Maxima and Helix Aspersa Muller are hermaphrodites – they have both male and female reproductive organs, which means that each specimen may lay eggs [ca. 100 egs on average (Muller), even up to 150 eggs (Maxima)].

Another specimen is required for the fertilization to take place (African snails copulate by contacting their heads – and the act may last anywhere from few to well over ten hours).