If you only get one snail and make sure you get it as a tiny baby you do not have the egg problem. Our George has never laid any eggs and I don't think snails particularly need friends!
Unfortunatly the same cannot be said for stick insects as they do not need mates
Here is George as he is now with a snail we got for a friend who is only 4wks (Gonzales) I think they can live up to 7 years basia though BigD keeps threatening George with garlic butter
