How much does a softshell turtle hatchling cost? A complete guide to selection methods

The softshell turtle is a delicious delicacy and can also be used as traditional Chinese medicine, with excellent nourishing and medicinal effects, and it is loved by a large number of consumers, so more and more people are farming softshell turtles. So how much does a softshell turtle hatchling cost each? How do you raise softshell turtles?

1. How much does a softshell turtle hatchling cost each?

The market price of softshell turtle hatchlings varies depending on the breed and place of origin. For example, Taiwan, China and Thailand softshell turtle hatchlings generally cost 1-3 yuan each, while Chinese softshell hatchlings and Hunan hatchlings cost about 3-6 yuan each. The specific price is determined by the breed of the softshell turtle.

2. How do you select softshell turtle hatchlings?

1. Body color

The plastron of young softshell turtles is orange-red, and the redder the better; conversely, a pale red or yellow color indicates poor constitution. However, once the body weight reaches 20g, it is normal for the plastron to turn grayish-white or black;

2. Body weight

Newly hatched Chinese softshell hatchlings generally weigh more than 3g for good quality; those weighing less than 3g are all due to their parents being too small in weight and age, or to malnutrition and poor constitution;

3. Body shape

Good softshell turtle hatchlings have a relatively thick, flat and straight skirt edge, while a soft, thin and drooping one indicates malnutrition. The back, belly and armpits of the limbs of young softshell turtles must have no white spots or white patches, otherwise it indicates bacterial infection. They must also have no injuries or disabilities, and be lively and quick to react;

4. Points to note

It is generally not recommended that farmers buy turtle hatchlings that hatched that same day, because hatchlings that hatched that day have a relatively high mortality rate, and some whose umbilical cords have not closed properly easily die that day. Therefore, turtle hatchlings that have been hatched and raised for more than one day are of good quality and have fewer diseases, reducing the risk after purchase for farming.

3. How do you raise softshell turtle hatchlings?

1. Water temperature

A water temperature of 20°C-30°C is the optimal temperature range for softshell turtle growth. When the water temperature is above 20°C, softshell turtles begin to feed, and their feed intake increases as the water temperature rises. When the water temperature is below the optimal temperature, the feed conversion rate decreases; when the water temperature is above the optimal temperature, the feed conversion rate also decreases due to increased activity. Therefore, the water temperature should be kept within the optimal range, as too high or too low will cause feed waste.

2. Feed

Underwater feeding suits the feeding habits of softshell turtles and can speed up their feeding rate. Feeding with soft pellet feed saves more feed than feeding with block feed. Controlling the feeding amount: softshell turtle feeding is greatly affected by changes in environmental factors. When air temperature, water temperature change or medication is used, the impact on softshell turtles should be considered and the feeding amount adjusted. Generally, underwater feeding should be controlled so that the feed is finished within 30 minutes. When softshell turtles overeat, they grow too fast, which easily leads to increased or excessive physiological load, causing damage to their internal organs and inducing visceral diseases.

3. Water quality

Softshell turtles are naturally fond of cleanliness and afraid of dirt. A good water environment is an important condition for their stable growth, and how well water quality regulation is done determines the success or failure of farming. The main purpose of oxygenating the water is to reduce the content of harmful gases and harmful organic matter in the water, and the oxygen supply facilities must be kept unobstructed. However, oxygenation should be done within a fixed time period so that the softshell turtles form a habit and the disturbance from oxygenation is reduced.

Softshell turtles hibernate in winter. Young softshell turtles are not suitable for hibernation because the survival rate during hibernation is relatively low, so the water temperature for softshell turtle hatchlings must be maintained in winter.