How Do Tortoises Get Through Winter? A Detailed Guide to Winter Rearing and Management Methods
Agritourism promotion and cooperation WeChat: 15773140540 Tortoises are state-protected species and may not be privately raised, sold, transported or traded. They cannot swim and can only spend their whole lives on land, living in burrows, which is why they are also called dry tortoises or grassland tortoises. They not only hibernate, but also aestivate. So, how do tortoises get through winter?
1. How Tortoises Get Through Winter
When the temperature falls below 10°C, the tortoise lies in loose soil covered with rice straw, neither eating nor moving, and enters hibernation; at this time its metabolism is extremely slow and weak. It does not resume activity and begin feeding heavily until early April, when the temperature rises above 15°C. During its hibernation period no feed needs to be provided, and the main task at this time is keeping it warm.
2. Conditions for Raising Tortoises
According to the service guide published by the provincial forestry bureau, applying for an Artificial Breeding License to keep and breed national second-class protected wild animals requires meeting the following conditions:
1. Having a fixed site suitable for artificial breeding of wild animals and the necessary facilities;
2. Having personnel and technology suited to the species and number of wild animals to be artificially bred;
3. Having a guaranteed feed source for the artificially bred wild animals.
3. The Following Materials Must Be Provided to Raise Tortoises:
1. Forestry administrative licensing application form;
2. Valid documents or materials proving the applicant's identity and qualifications;
3. Proof of the legal source of the wild animal stock;
4. Proof of the technical competence of personnel treating and raising the wild animals, or relevant employment documentation;
5. Documentation explaining the feed source for the wild animals;
6. Valid documents or materials showing the corresponding right to use the breeding site;
7. Documentation explaining the layout of the breeding site and its main facilities and equipment.