How to Raise a Softshell Turtle? Breeding Methods and Technical Key Points
If raising it at home, you can put the bought softshell turtle in a water-filled container; the water quality should be fresh with rich dissolved oxygen. If using tap water, it still needs to be sun-exposed for two to three days in advance. Start by feeding minced small trash fish and minced meat, and after one month you can feed small trash fish and artificial feed. In addition, some stones should be placed in the container so the softshell turtle can climb out of the water. When changing the water, change half and keep half. In the breeding process, besides feeding, pest and disease control is also very important. Let's learn about it together below.
Pest and Disease Control for Softshell Turtles
1. Skin ulcer disease
Skin ulcer disease occurs due to bacterial infection after softshell turtles fight and bite each other and get injured. This disease occurs year-round, is prevalent in spring, and sometimes occurs concurrently with furuncle disease, causing serious harm.
Measures: Generally, the breeding density should not be too high, to avoid fighting. The pond water should also be kept clean regularly, with regular disinfection and sterilization. For large-scale breeding, for those weighing 100 grams, stock 3-5 per sq m; for those weighing about 200 grams, stock 2-3 per sq m.
2. White spot disease
White spot disease is prevalent all year round, most commonly from March to June. Large water temperature fluctuations and poor water quality are among the causes that trigger this disease. When the disease occurs, white spots appear on the limbs and marginal scutes of the diseased softshell turtle and gradually expand into white patches with irregular edges, with the epidermis necrosing and partially disintegrating.
Measures: Thoroughly clearing the pond (fish tank) with quicklime, sun-exposure, and so on can all reduce the chance of disease occurrence. Situations such as large water temperature fluctuations and abuse of antibiotics should also be avoided. For those already diseased, they can be bathed in 0.104% table salt plus 0.104% baking soda for 48 hours, for two consecutive treatment courses.
If raising softshell turtles on a large scale, you must pay attention to controlling the density well, do a good job monitoring water quality and the condition of the softshell turtles, and promptly remedy any adverse situations found.