Cute kittens, playful puppies and the fluffiest of rabbits are just some of the animals searching for forever homes in Greater Manchester.
Their soulful eyes peep through from behind the cages and hutches in the hope that their latest visitor will take them home and welcome them as part of the family.
But the RSPCA’s Altrincham branch is now looking for homes for 200 brothers and sisters who are decidedly less fluffy and lack the usual kerb appeal.
A family of Giant African Land Snails slithered their way into the Sale home of branch trustee Joanne Yoli last weekend after their owner found they couldn’t look after them all.
MAMMOTH MOLLUSCS: The snails can grow up to 1ft in length
Joanne normally looks after the ‘small and furry’ cases, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and even cockrels, but has widened the net to temporarily home and rear hundreds of these tiny exotic pets.
“I’m fairly new to them but I’m learning more and more – it’s certainly not your average pet,” she laughed.
“We got a phone call from an owner whose own snail had a clutch of 200 eggs which all hatched and were struggling to find someone to help them.”
The miniscule molluscs, which are currently smaller than a 5p piece, can live in excess of ten years and can grow to a whopping 1ft in length.
TINY: The baby African Giant Land Snails
Although they can be a long-term commitment they are relatively low maintenance requiring a 3ft by 1.5ft tank with a secure lid and a layer of compost or soil in moist conditions at a consistently warm temperature.
They require little water and eat fresh herbs cucumber, fresh greens and some fruit and vegetables.
Despite their reputation for moving at a snail’s pace they’re certainly keeping foster mum Joanne on her toes.
She explained: “They’re little escape artists! You definitely need to keep an eye on them but they’re great for kids who can watch them crawl along the glass.
MINIATURE MOLLUSCS: Just some of the baby snails up for adoption
“In the summer months they can join you in the garden on the grass – you just need to make sure the birds stay away.”
Joanne and the RSPCA team are delighted at the response the baby giants are receiving on social networking sites but have yet to have any potential owners come forward and offer them a home.
She said: “We’ve not had any calls directly about them but it’s still early days. At the moment they’re still so tiny but how long they stay with us depends on how quickly they outgrow the tank.”
If you’re willing to give one of these soon-to-be mammoth molluscs a loving home, you can contact the branch on 0161 286 2503 or send an email to [email protected]
Featured image courtesy of Salvatore Rotolo, with thanks
