THERE is nothing slow about the breeding habits of pets at a Darton house — 186 African land snails are eating the Mitchell family out of their home.
Mum Tracey had no idea what she was letting herself in for six months ago when she bought three pet snails for her children Kyle, ten, Darcy nine, and Tiana seven, all pupils at Darton Primary.
But the real adventure began one morning when Tiana shouted one morning: “Mum, the snails are in labour” and suddenly 192 snails had been added to the household. Tracey admitted: “I didn't realise they would breed as they did.”
The family have managed to give a few away and are now left with 186. Kyle said: “Now we have 190 pets between us” — they already had two dogs, a hamster and a gecko lizard.
Tracey admits that looking after all the pets is very difficult and they are now separating the snails to prevent any more babies coming along.
The family are appealing for anyone who would like a pet to contact them. Darcy said the snails, which can grow up to 25cm, make really good pets and are very easy to look after. Anyone able to help should contact Tracey on 388814.
Meanwhile, the snails are munching their way through lots of fruit and salad.
