Detailed Explanation of Hairy Crab Farming Methods and Technical Key Points

The hairy crab generally refers to the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), a traditional aquatic delicacy of our country. It is widely farmed in our country, so what is its farming method?

What is the farming method of the hairy crab?

Here is a brief introduction to the methods of pond and rice paddy farming.

I. Rice paddy farming

1. Choose a place with an ample water source year-round, good water quality, no pollution, and convenient irrigation and drainage. Avoid acidic soil, and an area of 10-15 mu is suitable.

2. Rice paddy crab farming must have a complete water intake and drainage system, with independent water inlet and outlet, to facilitate water level control. At the same time, protective measures must be taken to prevent the river crabs from escaping and natural enemies from entering.

3. Fill the rice paddy with water 7-10 days before stocking the crab seed, and begin fertilizing to cultivate the water quality, applying 250 kg of fermented and decomposed organic fertilizer per mu. For crab seed specifications, choose as large a size as possible, usually 50-100 crabs per kg, with a stocking rate of 600-800 crabs per mu.

4. At the beginning of crab seed stocking, keep the rice paddy water level at 5-8 cm, then gradually add water, and appropriately change the water during the hottest summer period.

5. Mainly rely on aquatic plants in the rice paddy, appropriately supplemented with fresh live animals (such as pests) as well as animal feed (such as snails, mussels, etc.), plant-based feed and other substitute feed, adhering to the principle of “matching meat and vegetables, combining fine and green feed.” Feed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening; the actual daily feeding amount should be increased or decreased according to feeding and weather conditions.

6. Adhere to the principle of prevention first, combining prevention and control. Also carry out regular inspections to ensure the normal growth of the hairy crab.

II. Pond farming

1. The nursery pond should be 3-5 mu, with a pond depth of 1.5 m and a water depth of 0.8-1 m. The pond bottom should have little silt and slope toward the water inlet, to facilitate autumn harvesting. Water intake should be above the pond surface, with a blocking net at the water outlet, and anti-escape equipment around the pond.

2. Before stocking, thoroughly desilt and disinfect the pond, and transplant aquatic plants such as Elodea, Vallisneria, and alligator weed in the pond. Stock 0.5-1 kg of crab larvae per mu, or 20,000-30,000 juvenile crabs per mu.

3. During the juvenile crab nursery stage, feeding generally consists mainly of animal feed in the early and late periods, while in the middle period mainly wheat bran, wheat flakes, aquatic plants, etc. are fed. The feeding amount should be increased or decreased according to the type of feed, water quality, weather conditions, water temperature and the feeding intensity of the juvenile crabs.

Although the methods of farming hairy crabs differ, and the density and feed feeding also vary, daily inspections and pest and disease control must be paid attention to in the same way.