What is the difference between the Chinese pond turtle and the Chinese stone turtle? A quick guide to telling them apart

The Chinese pond turtle and the Chinese stone turtle are two common turtle species, and many people keep them as pets. So, do you know what the difference is between the Chinese pond turtle and the Chinese stone turtle?

1. What is the difference between the Chinese pond turtle and the Chinese stone turtle?

Different colors: the Chinese pond turtle is mainly ink-black all over, with yellow stripes and yellow spots edged in dark color on the sides of the head and the throat, a brownish-yellow plastron, and large dark brown patches in the middle of each scute; the Chinese stone turtle is mainly yellow all over, with a large ink-colored blotch on the outer side of each scute alternating with yellow in the middle;

Different appearance: the Chinese pond turtle has a relatively flat carapace with three longitudinal keels; the Chinese stone turtle has a distinct bridge on the carapace, one longitudinal keel, and the carapace and plastron are connected by ligaments.

2. Points to note when raising turtles

(1) Young turtles, adult turtles and breeding turtles should be kept in separate ponds to avoid large turtles swallowing small ones, and also to make it easier to determine the amount of feed and manage feeding, and to observe and keep track of the turtles' growth.

(2) Because turtles are gentle and timid by nature, keep the area around the rearing pond quiet so as not to affect the turtles' normal activities such as feeding, basking in the sun, mating and laying eggs.

(3) Change the water in the rearing pond frequently, keep the pond water clean, and maintain good sanitation in the rearing pond to prevent turtles from getting sick.

(4) The sandy soil in the open ground between the pond's surroundings and the enclosure wall should be kept at a certain humidity; in the peak of summer, some cooling measures should also be taken, such as sprinkling water and planting some small shrubs.

(5) Before the hibernation period, check the turtles' growth; give more feed to the weak ones, and feed more of the feed the turtles like, so that the turtles store up plenty of nutrients, build up their bodies, and get through the winter safely.

(6) Some turtles do not know how to eat when they are young. At this time, you can grab its left claw and pull it outward, then grab its right claw, gently pull the 2 together, and it will stick its head out; then gently pinch its head from side to side, and when it opens its mouth, put the shrimp (food) in, and it will know what it can eat; after that it will take a bite of any food you put in.

Turtles are ectothermic animals, and their lives are greatly affected by the ambient temperature. About 10 days before hibernation, stop feeding the turtle and let it expel the feces from its body; when it has fully entered the hibernation state, simply cover it with a moist towel, and then put it in a place with no noise.