How to Start Snail Farming in Your Rented Apartment Balcony in Lagos

Let me tell you something straight.

You don’t need a big farm to raise snails.

I’ve trained over 200 people at Odeda Farm Institute in Ogun State.

Many of them started right on their balconies in Lagos.

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment is possible, practical, and profitable if done right.

I’m Peter Ezebube, and I’ve been raising snails for over 10 years now.

I’ve seen students turn small balcony spaces into steady income sources.

Some make ₦30,000 to ₦80,000 monthly from just 50 snails.

This guide will show you exactly how to do it yourself.

No fancy equipment needed.

No expensive land rent.

Just your balcony, some basic materials, and the right knowledge.

Why Snail Farming Works Well in Apartments

Lagos apartments have limited space.

But snails don’t need much room to grow.

A standard balcony of 6ft by 4ft can hold three snail boxes.

Each box can house 20 to 30 adult snails comfortably.

That’s 60 to 90 snails producing eggs and growing fast.

Snails are quiet animals.

Your neighbors won’t complain about noise like they would with chickens.

There’s no bad smell if you maintain the boxes properly.

The setup cost is also very low compared to other livestock.

You can start with ₦15,000 to ₦25,000 for everything.

That includes boxes, soil, snails, and feeding materials for three months.

According to the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS), snail farming requires minimal capital investment compared to poultry or fish farming.

Understanding Snail Species for Apartment Farming

Not all snails grow well in small spaces.

You need the right species for balcony farming.

The best choice is Achatina achatina, also called the Giant African Land Snail.

This species adapts well to confined spaces.

They grow big, reproduce fast, and sell for good prices.

Each mature snail can weigh 300 to 500 grams.

Another option is Achatina marginata, the Giant West African Snail.

This one is slightly smaller but very hardy.

It can survive Lagos heat better than other species.

I personally prefer Achatina achatina for beginners.

They’re easier to manage and buyers prefer them.

At Zendric Snailery (https://zendric.com.ng/), we provide training on identifying the right snail species for your specific location and budget.

Legal Considerations for Starting Snail Farming in a Rented Apartment

Before you start, talk to your landlord.

Some landlords don’t allow any kind of farming.

Be honest about your plans.

Show them that snails are clean and quiet.

Most landlords will agree once they understand.

You’re not breaking any Lagos State law by raising snails.

There are no special permits needed for small-scale snail farming.

But always respect your tenancy agreement.

Keep your balcony clean and odor-free.

Don’t let the project disturb other tenants.

I once trained a lady named Ngozi in Ikeja.

Her landlord said no at first.

She invited him to see a clean setup at our institute.

He changed his mind immediately.

Now she’s been farming for two years without issues.

Materials Needed for Balcony Snail Farming

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment requires simple materials.

Here’s what you need:

Snail boxes or housing:

• Wooden boxes with mesh covers
• Plastic containers with breathing holes
• Old car tires stacked together

Soil substrate:

• Loamy soil mixed with sand
• Depth should be 4 to 6 inches
• Change soil every 2 to 3 months

Feeding containers:

• Small plates or containers for food
• Separate water dishes

Basic tools:

• Hand sprayer for moisture
• Small shovel for soil change
• Gloves for handling

Initial snails:

• Start with 10 to 20 healthy adults
• Buy from certified breeders only

I recommend wooden boxes over plastic.

Wood keeps temperature stable in Lagos heat.

Plastic heats up fast and stresses the snails.

Your total setup cost should be around ₦20,000.

Here’s a breakdown:

Setting Up Your Balcony Snail Farm

Location matters even on a small balcony.

Choose a corner that gets partial shade.

Direct afternoon sun will kill your snails.

Morning sun for 2 to 3 hours is perfect.

Place your boxes on a raised platform.

This protects them from floor water during rain.

Use bricks or wooden stands about 6 inches high.

Make sure the boxes have proper drainage holes.

Water should never pool inside the boxes.

Add your soil substrate next.

Mix 70% loamy soil with 30% sand.

The texture should be moist but not muddy.

Squeeze some soil in your hand.

It should form a ball that breaks easily.

That’s the right moisture level.

Cover the boxes with wire mesh.

This keeps out rats, lizards, and soldier ants.

Soldier ants are the biggest enemy of balcony snail farmers.

They can wipe out your entire stock overnight.

The mesh must have small holes, about 2mm wide.

Now you’re ready to introduce your snails.

Sourcing Quality Snails in Lagos

Don’t buy snails from the roadside or bush.

Those snails often carry parasites and diseases.

Buy from certified snail breeders instead.

At Zendric Snailery, we sell healthy breeding stock raised under proper conditions.

You can also visit other farms in Ogun State.

Odeda Farm Institute has a breeding unit.

Many of our students also sell quality snails.

Look for snails with these characteristics:

• Thick, unbroken shells
• Active and responsive when touched
• No white foam around the body
• Shell length of at least 10cm

Each breeding snail costs ₦300 to ₦500.

Start with 15 to 20 adults.

Mix males and females equally if possible.

Though telling snail gender is difficult, mixed groups breed well.

Transport your snails carefully.

Use a ventilated container with damp leaves.

Don’t expose them to direct sun.

Get them home and into their boxes within 2 hours.

According to research from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, snails from certified sources have 40% higher survival rates than bush snails.

Feeding Your Balcony Snails Properly

Snails eat many things.

But not everything is good for fast growth.

The best foods for starting snail farming in a rented apartment include:

Vegetables:

• Pawpaw leaves (very nutritious)
• Pumpkin leaves (ugu)
• Waterleaf
• Cabbage
• Lettuce

Fruits:

• Ripe pawpaw
• Banana
• Plantain peels
• Mango (small amounts)
• Cucumber

Calcium sources:

• Crushed eggshells
• Bone meal
• Limestone powder

Calcium is extremely important.

It helps build strong shells.

Without enough calcium, shells become thin and crack.

I’ve seen many beginners lose snails because they ignored calcium.

Feed your snails in the evening.

They’re most active after 6pm.

Remove leftover food every morning.

Old food attracts flies and smells bad.

Here’s a simple feeding schedule:

Monday: Pawpaw leaves + crushed eggshells
Tuesday: Pumpkin leaves + banana
Wednesday: Cabbage + bone meal
Thursday: Waterleaf + plantain peels
Friday: Pawpaw leaves + cucumber
Saturday: Mixed vegetables + limestone
Sunday: Ripe pawpaw + eggshells

Never feed snails salty or oily food.

Salt kills snails instantly.

Also avoid citrus fruits.

The acid irritates their skin.

You can get most feeding materials free in Lagos.

Visit Oyingbo or Mile 12 markets.

Vegetable sellers throw away good leaves daily.

Just ask politely and they’ll give you plenty.

At Zendric Snailery, we also sell formulated snail feed that contains all necessary nutrients in one package.

Maintaining Moisture and Temperature

Lagos weather can be tricky for snails.

They need constant moisture to survive.

But too much water causes problems too.

The ideal humidity level is 75% to 85%.

Your soil should always feel damp.

Spray water twice daily during dry season.

Morning and evening spraying works best.

During rainy season, once daily is enough.

Sometimes no spraying needed if rain falls.

But check your boxes every evening.

Snails hide in their shells when too dry.

They seal the shell opening with dried slime.

This is called aestivation.

It means they’re stressed and not growing.

Temperature should stay between 25°C and 30°C.

Lagos usually stays in this range.

But harmattan and extreme heat can be dangerous.

During harmattan (December to February), spray water three times daily.

Cover boxes with damp cloth if needed.

During very hot days (March to April), move boxes to the shadiest spot.

You can hang wet cloth nearby to cool the air.

I remember a student named Emeka in Surulere.

He lost 30 snails during harmattan.

He forgot to spray for three days.

Every snail dried up completely.

Don’t make that mistake.

Set phone reminders if you’re forgetful.

Managing Common Pests and Diseases

Soldier ants are your biggest threat.

These red ants attack in large groups.

They can kill 50 snails in one night.

I’ve witnessed this tragedy many times.

Prevention is the only solution.

Here’s how to protect your snails:

• Apply used engine oil around box legs
• Place each box leg in a can of water
• Never let boxes touch walls directly
• Keep the balcony floor very clean

Rats also attack snails occasionally.

They eat the soft body and leave the shell.

Wire mesh covers stop rats completely.

Just make sure there are no gaps.

Lizards are usually harmless to adult snails.

But they eat baby snails and eggs.

Keep your boxes tightly covered always.

Fungal infections happen when boxes stay too wet.

You’ll notice white patches on snail bodies.

This spreads fast and kills many snails.

The solution is better ventilation and drainage.

Reduce watering slightly.

Remove infected snails immediately.

Don’t put them back with healthy ones.

Internal parasites come from dirty soil or contaminated food.

Snails become weak and stop eating.

Change your soil every 8 to 10 weeks.

This removes most parasite eggs.

Always wash vegetables before feeding.

Safety note: Never use chemical pesticides near your snails. These chemicals kill snails faster than pests. Only use natural methods like oil barriers and physical covers.

Breeding and Hatching Process

Adult snails start laying eggs at 8 to 10 months old.

Each snail can lay 200 to 400 eggs yearly.

They dig small holes in the soil to lay eggs.

The eggs look like small yellow balls.

Each egg is about 4mm to 5mm wide.

After laying, the snail covers the hole.

You might not even notice eggs are there.

Check your boxes carefully every two weeks.

Look for small holes or disturbed soil areas.

Eggs take 21 to 28 days to hatch.

Baby snails (called hatchlings) are tiny.

They measure only 5mm to 8mm long.

Hatchlings need extra care for the first month.

Feed them very soft foods only:

• Mashed pawpaw
• Very tender leaves
• Powdered calcium

Don’t mix hatchlings with adult snails.

Adults might accidentally crush them.

Keep babies in a separate small container.

After one month, they’re strong enough to join adults.

One of my students, Chioma from Ajah, started with 20 snails.

After six months, she had over 300 snails.

Her balcony couldn’t contain them anymore.

She had to rent a bigger space.

That’s how fast snails multiply.

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment can quickly outgrow your space.

Plan for expansion from the beginning.

Growth Timeline and Expectations

Snails grow slower than chickens or rabbits.

But they’re very reliable.

Here’s what to expect:

Month 1-3: Snails adjust to new environment. Slow growth period. Focus on keeping them alive and healthy.

Month 4-6: Growth speeds up noticeably. Snails start gaining weight fast. Shell length increases by 2cm monthly.

Month 7-9: Sexual maturity begins. First egg laying might start. Adults reach 200g to 300g weight.

Month 10-12: Full maturity achieved. Regular egg laying starts. Adults weigh 350g to 500g.

Market size is usually reached at 10 to 12 months.

But you can sell earlier if needed.

Some buyers prefer medium-sized snails.

Hotels and restaurants buy regularly.

They pay ₦500 to ₦800 per snail.

Individual buyers pay ₦600 to ₦1,000 each.

If you start with 20 adult snails:

• After 6 months: 20 adults + 200 babies
• After 12 months: 20 adults + 500 growing snails
• After 18 months: 520 snails of various sizes

This assumes 50% survival rate for babies.

That’s realistic for beginners.

Experienced farmers achieve 70% to 80% survival.

The National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) reports that properly managed snail farms can produce up to 1,000 snails annually from just 30 breeding stock.

Marketing Your Snails in Lagos

Finding buyers is easier than you think.

Lagos has huge demand for snails.

The supply never meets demand.

Here’s where to sell:

Hotels and restaurants:

• Contact catering managers directly
• Offer samples first
• Provide consistent supply

Pepper soup spots:

• They buy 50 to 200 snails weekly
• Cash payment immediately
• Best customers for beginners

Individual customers:

• Use WhatsApp and Instagram
• Post clear photos of your snails
• Offer home delivery

Snail processing companies:

• They buy in bulk
• Prices are slightly lower
• Payment is reliable

Online platforms:

• Jiji.ng
• OLX
• Facebook Marketplace

I know a farmer named Kunle in Ikotun.

He supplies one pepper soup spot weekly.

They buy 80 snails every Saturday.

That’s ₦56,000 monthly from just one customer.

He has three more customers now.

His balcony farm generates over ₦150,000 monthly.

Your pricing depends on snail size:

• Small (150g-250g): ₦400-₦600
• Medium (250g-350g): ₦600-₦800
• Large (350g-500g): ₦800-₦1,200
• Jumbo (500g+): ₦1,200-₦1,500

Always clean your snails before delivery.

Remove soil and slime from shells.

Pack them properly in ventilated containers.

Professional packaging builds customer trust.

At Zendric Snailery (https://zendric.com.ng/), we offer marketing support and buyer connections for our trained farmers.

Record Keeping and Profit Tracking

Many small farmers ignore record keeping.

This is a big mistake.

You must track everything.

Keep a simple notebook with these details:

• Date and number of snails bought
• Daily feeding costs
• Monthly water and electricity costs
• Number of eggs laid
• Number of hatchlings
• Number of snails sold
• Selling prices and buyers

Update your records weekly.

This helps you see profit clearly.

It also shows which feeding methods work best.

Here’s a simple profit calculation:

Startup costs: ₦21,000
Monthly feeding cost: ₦3,000
Monthly maintenance: ₦1,000
Total 12-month cost: ₦21,000 + (₦4,000 × 12) = ₦69,000

Revenue after 12 months:
Selling 200 snails at ₦700 each = ₦140,000

Net profit: ₦140,000 – ₦69,000 = ₦71,000

That’s over 100% return on investment.

Few businesses give such returns.

These numbers are conservative and realistic.

Some farmers do much better.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

I’ve seen these mistakes countless times:

Overcrowding boxes:
Too many snails in one box causes stress. They stop growing and die. Maximum 30 adults per 2ft by 2ft box.

Inconsistent feeding:
Skipping days or feeding randomly slows growth. Feed every evening without fail.

Using dirty water:
Lagos tap water sometimes has chlorine. Let water sit for 24 hours before spraying snails.

Buying cheap snails:
Bush snails or sick snails never do well. Always buy from certified breeders.

Ignoring calcium:
Many beginners forget calcium completely. Snails develop weak shells and die. Provide calcium at least three times weekly.

Poor ventilation:
Sealed boxes cause suffocation and fungal problems. Ensure good air flow always.

Starting too big:
Some beginners buy 100 snails immediately. They get overwhelmed and make mistakes. Start small, learn, then expand.

Impatience:
Snails grow slowly. Many people quit after three months. Success requires patience and consistency.

One student named Bisi wanted fast results.

She kept adding more snails monthly.

Her boxes became overcrowded.

Disease spread and killed 70% of her stock.

She lost almost ₦40,000.

Don’t rush the process.

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment works best when done slowly and carefully.

Expanding Beyond Your Balcony

Eventually your balcony will be full.

This is a good problem to have.

It means your farm is successful.

Here are expansion options:

Rent a small backyard nearby:
Many compound owners rent their backyards. Cost is ₦5,000 to ₦15,000 monthly in Lagos suburbs.

Partner with family in villages:
Send some snails to relatives in villages. Village environment is excellent for snails. Split the profits later.

Get a small plot:
A 50sqm plot costs ₦50,000 to ₦100,000 yearly. You can build proper snail houses there.

Join cooperative societies:
Pool resources with other snail farmers. Rent land together and share costs.

I started on my small balcony in 2014.

Now I run Odeda Farm Institute training facility.

We have over 5,000 snails currently.

The journey took time and patience.

But it started with just 15 snails on my balcony.

Training and Further Learning

Don’t stop learning after starting.

Snail farming has many techniques.

At Zendric Snailery, we offer:

• Weekend practical training sessions
• Online courses for busy people
• One-on-one mentorship programs
• WhatsApp support groups

Our training covers:

• Advanced breeding techniques
• Disease prevention methods
• Record keeping systems
• Marketing strategies
• Processing and preservation

We also sell quality breeding stock and snail feed.

Visit https://zendric.com.ng/ for more information.

You can also learn from:

• Federal Ministry of Agriculture resources
• Nigerian Institute of Animal Science publications
• Agricultural extension officers in your area

Join online snail farming groups on Facebook.

Network with other farmers.

Share experiences and learn together.

The more knowledge you gain, the more profit you make.

Government Support and Resources

Nigerian government supports snail farming.

Programs exist to help small farmers.

National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA):
Provides training and sometimes free snails. Check their website for current programs.

Bank of Agriculture:
Offers loans for agricultural projects. Interest rates are lower than commercial banks. Requirements are minimal for small-scale farmers.

State Agricultural Development Programs:
Each state has programs supporting farmers. Visit your local agriculture ministry office.

Youth Empowerment Programs:
If you’re under 35, special youth programs exist. They offer grants and training opportunities.

Apply for these programs.

Government support can significantly reduce your startup costs.

Health and Safety Considerations

Snail farming is generally safe.

But follow these precautions:

Personal hygiene:
Always wash hands after handling snails. Use gloves when changing soil. Snails can carry bacteria on their shells.

Food safety:
Never eat snails from your farm raw. Proper cooking kills any parasites. Boil snails for at least 15 minutes.

Allergies:
Some people react to snail slime. If you notice skin irritation, use gloves. Wash affected areas with soap immediately.

Chemical safety:
Avoid all chemical pesticides near snail boxes. Even small amounts kill snails. Use only natural pest control methods.

Structural safety:
Ensure boxes are stable on your balcony. Don’t overload weak balconies. Check weight limits with your landlord if unsure.

Disclaimer: This content provides general information about snail farming practices. Always consult with agricultural extension officers or veterinarians for specific health or disease issues affecting your snails.

Environmental Benefits of Balcony Snail Farming

Snail farming helps the environment.

It’s one of the most sustainable livestock options.

Here’s why:

Low carbon footprint:
Snails produce minimal greenhouse gases. Unlike cattle or poultry, they don’t contribute to climate change significantly.

Efficient feed conversion:
Snails convert food to meat very efficiently. They waste almost nothing. Kitchen scraps and vegetable waste become protein.

No antibiotics needed:
Unlike chickens or fish, snails don’t need antibiotics. This prevents antibiotic resistance problems.

Organic waste recycling:
Your vegetable peels and leaves feed snails. This reduces household waste going to landfills.

Space efficiency:
Balcony farming doesn’t require deforestation. It uses existing urban spaces productively.

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment is an eco-friendly choice.

Real Stories from Balcony Snail Farmers

Grace’s Story – Lekki Phase 1:

Grace attended our training in 2022.

She lives in a one-bedroom apartment.

Her balcony is just 5ft by 4ft.

She started with 12 snails and two boxes.

Today she runs her farm with three boxes.

She makes ₦45,000 monthly selling to neighbors.

“I never believed it would work,” she told me.

“But Peter’s training was so practical and clear.”

“Now I have a side income that pays my internet bills.”

Tunde’s Story – Ikorodu:

Tunde is a commercial bus driver.

He farms snails on his balcony after work.

Started with ₦18,000 three years ago.

Now he has over 400 snails.

He supplies two restaurants weekly.

“Snail farming doesn’t stress me like other businesses,” he said.

“I just spray water and feed them every evening.”

“The money comes steadily without wahala.”

Amaka’s Story – Festac Town:

Amaka lost her office job in 2023.

She used part of her savings to start snail farming.

Her balcony now houses four boxes of snails.

She also processes snails for sale.

Monthly income is about ₦80,000 now.

“This business saved me during unemployment,” she shared.

“I’m now teaching others what Peter taught me.”

These are real people I’ve personally trained.

Their successes prove that starting snail farming in a rented apartment actually works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much space do I need to start snail farming on my balcony?

A: You need a minimum of 4ft by 3ft balcony space. This can fit two snail boxes comfortably. Each box holds 20 to 30 adult snails. Larger balconies can accommodate more boxes. Always leave walking space for maintenance access.

Q: Can snail farming work during Lagos rainy season?

A: Yes, snails actually thrive during rainy season. The natural humidity helps them grow faster. Just ensure your boxes have proper drainage holes. Excess water should flow out immediately. Cover boxes partially to prevent flooding during heavy rain.

Q: How long before I start making money from balcony snail farming?

A: You can start selling within 8 to 12 months. Baby snails from your original stock reach market size then. Some farmers sell earlier at 6 months for smaller sizes. Regular income starts after your first successful breeding cycle. Patience is important for maximum profit.

Q: Will my landlord allow snail farming in a rented apartment?

A: Most landlords allow it when properly explained. Snails are quiet, clean, and odorless when well-maintained. Show your landlord photos of clean snail setups. Invite them to visit a working farm if needed. Get written permission to avoid future problems.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge of starting snail farming in a rented apartment?

A: Pest control is the biggest challenge. Soldier ants attack snails viciously on balconies. Use oil barriers around box legs consistently. Keep your balcony extremely clean always. Space limitation is another challenge as your farm grows.

Q: How much profit can I make monthly from balcony snail farming?

A: Profits vary based on scale and management. A small balcony with 50 snails generates ₦30,000 to ₦50,000 monthly. Larger setups with 100+ snails make ₦80,000 to ₦150,000 monthly. These figures assume consistent breeding and good survival rates.

Q: Where can I get quality snails to start my farm in Lagos?

A: Buy from certified snail breeders, not bush sources. Visit Zendric Snailery (https://zendric.com.ng/) for quality breeding stock. We also sell at Odeda Farm Institute in Ogun State. Some agricultural shows and exhibitions also sell quality snails. Avoid roadside sellers completely.

Q: Do I need special training before starting snail farming on my balcony?

A: Training significantly increases your success rate. Many self-taught farmers make costly mistakes early. At Zendric Snailery, our weekend training covers everything you need. You can also learn through online courses and mentorship. Investment in training pays back quickly through better results.

Conclusion: Your Balcony Farming Journey Starts Today

Starting snail farming in a rented apartment is realistic.

Thousands of Lagosians are already doing it successfully.

You don’t need a village or big land.

Your balcony is enough to begin.

The initial investment is affordable.

The returns are steady and reliable.

But success requires commitment and consistency.

You must feed your snails daily.

You must maintain proper moisture levels.

You must protect them from pests aggressively.

Most importantly, you must be patient.

Snails don’t grow overnight.

But they grow surely and steadily.

I’ve spent over 10 years in this business.

I’ve trained hundreds of successful farmers.

Many started exactly where you are now.

Some are now training others too.

The knowledge I’ve shared here is practical.

It comes from real experience, not theory.

I’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to.

Follow these guidelines carefully.

Start small with 15 to 20 snails.

Learn the basics thoroughly first.

Then expand as you gain confidence.

Join our training programs at Zendric Snailery.

Get ongoing support and mentorship.

Connect with other farmers in our network.

Visit https://zendric.com.ng/ to register today.

Your financial freedom might just be growing on your balcony.

Take action now.

Buy your first snails this week.

Set up your boxes properly.

Start your journey to consistent monthly income.

I started on a small balcony in 2014.

Today I run a successful training institute.

Your story can be similar or even better.

The only difference between dreamers and achievers is action.

Stop planning and start doing.

Your balcony is waiting to become productive.

References:

1. National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS) – Agricultural Production Guidelines: https://naerls.gov.ng/
2. Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta – Department of Animal Production Research Papers: https://www.unaab.edu.ng/
3. National Centre for Agricultural Mechanization (NCAM) – Livestock Production Data: https://ncam.gov.ng/

About the Author:

Peter Ezebube runs Zendric Snailery and trains farmers at Odeda Farm Institute, Ogun State. With over 10 years of practical snail farming experience, he has helped hundreds of Nigerians start successful balcony and backyard snail farms. Contact him through https://zendric.com.ng/ for training and quality breeding stock.