Use an antibacterial soap. Use warm water. Make sure all soap is thoroughly washed off your hands. [1] X Research source
Remove any other pets (specifically dogs or cats) from the room. Dogs or cats might see the snail as something to toy with or even eat. Inform any other people what you’ll be doing, so they don’t disturb you. Turn off any loud music or the TV. This is important for the snail and so you can concentrate and won’t be distracted as you’re playing. [2] X Research source
The best time for you and your snail is probably between 6PM and 8PM, depending on your schedule and region. [3] X Research source
Place your hand flat against the bottom of the snail’s cage near the snail. Move your hand very slowly in the general direction of the snail. Let the snail crawl onto your hand. [4] X Research source
After you’ve lifted your hand out of the tank, move it slowly toward the surface of a table. Place your hand flat against the surface of the table and allow your snail to move around. Avoid shaking the table or moving your hand suddenly. [5] X Research source
Lower your hand slowly. You can lower your hand to a new place in the enclosure. This is probably the best and safest bet. Consider creating a “playground” tank with new rocks, obstacles, and even snail treats (lettuce, cucumbers, and apples). Avoid lowering the snail onto the floor. If you do so, there is a chance you or someone else could step on it. [6] X Research source
Let the snail crawl around your hand. Let the snail crawl around its playground. If you litter food around the snail’s new playground, chances are it will move around to investigate the food and other new additions. Avoid trying to move the snail if it is already moving. You may hurt it. In addition, you may scare your snail, which will make it much more likely that the snail will hide from you next time you go to play with it. [7] X Research source
Stroke or touch the shell lightly. Stroke or touch the shell with the grain, rather than against it. [8] X Research source
Never apply any pressure on to the snail’s shell. Always move very slowly when handling your snail. Be conscious of the fragility of the snail. [9] X Research source
Do not try to pick up your pet using something sharp. Do not pick up your snail by its shell. The only time this may be appropriate is if your snail is completely withdrawn into its shell and you need to move it. When you do move your snail this way, make sure to be gentle and to avoid applying any pressure to the shell. [10] X Research source
Always grip the shell with two fingers from the top and rear of the shell. [11] X Research source
As with removing your snail from the tank, do so slowly and gently. Make sure you position your snail up right and in a safe location. Avoid placing the snail on a limb, rock, or in any other precarious position in the tank. [12] X Research source
Use warm water. Use an antibacterial soap. Use plenty of water and wash in between your fingers. [13] X Research source
Place the top on your tank, if there is one. Make sure that the lid is completely on and there are no holes or gaps in it. Secure the clips or other fasteners from the tank to the lid.
