How to Raise a Soft-shelled Turtle? Detailed Explanation of Breeding Methods and Technical Points

The soft-shelled turtle, also known as the Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) or "jiayu", is a common type of turtle in our country. It can not only be kept as a pet, but can also be used to make soup and so on. So how do you raise a soft-shelled turtle?

1. Site selection and enclosure construction

Choose a breeding site with clean water quality and ample water supply, and make sure the soft-shelled turtle has a place to bask in the sun. The water should not be too deep, otherwise it will affect the growth of the soft-shelled turtle. Then build an enclosure of appropriate size according to the number of soft-shelled turtles, and plant an appropriate amount of aquatic plants in the water. This can not only regulate water quality, but also provide the soft-shelled turtles with a place to rest in the shade, and in summer it can also play a role in cooling down.

2. Feeding

When feeding, the feeding method should be reasonably adjusted according to the growth stage of the soft-shelled turtle. During the juvenile turtle stage, specially formulated commercial feed should be the main food. Pay attention to controlling the feeding amount; do not feed too much, because juvenile turtles have relatively small stomachs and weak digestive capacity. If fed too much, it is easy for the juvenile turtles to be unable to digest it, and in severe cases, it can lead to death. When the soft-shelled turtles reach adulthood, meat-based feed can become the main food. Then promptly remove any uneaten feed to prevent spoilage that could lead to the soft-shelled turtles accidentally eating it and affecting their growth.

3. Daily management

(1) Cleaning the shell: The shell should be cleaned frequently, as a lot of dirt can accumulate on it. If it is not cleaned in time, it is very easy for bacteria to develop, leading to diseases such as shell rot.

(2) Encouraging weight loss: The soft-shelled turtles should be encouraged to move around to promote fattening, and they should be allowed to bask in the sun appropriately to ensure healthy growth. Finally, when feeding feed, do not change the feed frequently, to prevent them from being unable to adapt in time, which could lead to gastrointestinal and other diseases.

(3) Disease prevention and control: Although soft-shelled turtles have strong adaptability, poor management can also lead to disease. During the breeding process, if the temperature fluctuates too greatly, it can cause the soft-shelled turtles to be unable to adapt in time, resulting in problems such as heatstroke and colds. Water quality should also be well controlled. If the water quality is too poor, various bacteria and parasites will develop, causing infection in the soft-shelled turtles and reducing the survival rate. Therefore, when breeding, we must change the water regularly, strengthen management, focus on prevention, and improve the resistance of the soft-shelled turtles.