Method and Technical Points for Raising Soft-Shelled Turtles (Chinese Softshell Turtles) in Rice Paddies
The soft-shelled turtle, also known as tuanyu, Chinese softshell turtle or water fish, is not only a delicious delicacy but also a kind of Chinese medicinal herb. Nowadays, soft-shelled turtles are raised in rice paddies in many areas. So, what methods are there for raising soft-shelled turtles in rice paddies? Let us find out together!
1. Rice paddy preparation
A rice paddy used for raising soft-shelled turtles must not only be suitable for the growth of rice but also ensure that the soft-shelled turtles can grow normally. The rice paddy should be chosen in a plot with an adequate supply of clean water, convenient transportation, away from major traffic roads, and with sufficient sunlight. Then dig a feeding ditch about one meter deep in the rice paddy, and set up a feeding platform about every 15 cm. The feeding platform should have a certain slope and be sufficiently smooth to ensure that the soft-shelled turtles can feed normally without being injured. Finally, an escape-prevention net should be set up around the rice paddy. The escape-prevention net should be buried about 12 cm into the ground, and the water inlet and outlet should also be securely tied with iron wire to prevent the soft-shelled turtles from escaping.
2. Rice transplanting and releasing the soft-shelled turtles
After selecting the plot, we need to proceed according to the specific process of rice cultivation. Generally, rice transplanting can be done at the normal time. It should be noted that the planting density should be appropriately increased. About half a month after transplanting, the soft-shelled turtle seedlings can be released. When releasing the soft-shelled turtles, attention should be paid to the temperature. If the temperature is around 30 degrees, the temperature should be reasonably regulated. It is best to choose soft-shelled turtle seedlings weighing about 450 grams. Soft-shelled turtles of this size can quickly adapt to the environment, grow quickly, and have a relatively high survival rate. Finally, when releasing the soft-shelled turtles, attention should be paid to disinfecting them to prevent them from carrying pathogens.
3. Feeding management
On the second day after releasing the soft-shelled turtle seedlings, it is necessary to feed them appropriately according to their actual condition. When feeding, simply place the bait directly on the feeding platform. First put in a small amount of bait to attract the soft-shelled turtles onto the feeding platform. Keep the number of feedings per day to two, generally carried out in the morning and evening when the temperature is lower. Then control the feeding amount according to the body weight of the soft-shelled turtles. After feeding each day, it is also necessary to observe the feeding situation of the soft-shelled turtles and flexibly adjust the feeding amount. In addition, when feeding, an appropriate amount of cooking oil can be added to the bait, which can both increase the appetite of the soft-shelled turtles and improve the utilization and conversion rate of the feed.
4. Daily management
When raising soft-shelled turtles, one must not only pay attention to the growth of the soft-shelled turtles but also do a good job in managing the rice, controlling temperature and humidity well, and preventing a decline in rice quality and insufficient yield. Then, observe the growth of the soft-shelled turtles regularly every day and do a good job in disease prevention. When abnormal conditions are found in the soft-shelled turtles, deal with them promptly to avoid affecting the normal growth of the soft-shelled turtles. When the soft-shelled turtles have grown to a certain stage and the water temperature is below 15 degrees, they should be harvested in time. If, due to market and other reasons, two-year-old soft-shelled turtles need to be raised, then we need to appropriately raise the water level and increase the water temperature to help the soft-shelled turtles overwinter.
The above are the methods for raising soft-shelled turtles in rice paddies. We hope they can help you!