Detailed Explanation of Key Points for Eel Farming Techniques in Autumn and Winter
How to Raise Eels Well in Autumn and Winter
How to Raise Eels Well in Autumn and Winter
The eel (Monopterus albus, Asian swamp eel) is a semi-hibernating fish. When the temperature drops below 15°C, eels stop eating and moving, and enter hibernation relying on minimal respiration. Therefore, after autumn begins, as temperatures gradually drop, the foraging and activity of eels also gradually weaken. At this time, autumn and winter management needs to be strengthened. The main measures are:
1. Feed more feed with high fat content
This allows the eels to accumulate more fat to be consumed by the body during the fasting hibernation period. Feeds with high fat content include silkworm pupae, earthworms, maggots, etc.; feed as much of these as possible.
2. Harvest reasonably for market
Eels like to burrow into the mud at the bottom of the pond, especially after the temperature drops, when they will burrow into the mud to overwinter. For this reason, for adult eels, they should be reasonably harvested for market before winter arrives. When harvesting, first drain the pond water and remove the surface mud, then turn over the bottom mud with both hands to catch them. Avoid using hard, sharp tools such as iron spades and shovels for deep digging, to prevent cutting or injuring the eels. At the same time, be careful to catch the large ones and keep the small ones, so as to allow spawning and reproduction the following year.
3. Strengthen overwintering protection
For eel ponds with relatively good water source conditions, the deep-water overwintering method can be used, that is, maintaining a water layer of 50 cm-70 cm deep in the pond and placing some aquatic plants, duckweed, etc. on the water surface. When it freezes in winter, break open the ice layer for ventilation. This can both maintain the temperature at the bottom of the pond and maintain the oxygen content of the pond water. When the eels begin hibernating, drain the pond water for overwintering. However, note that the pond soil must be kept moist and must not be too dry. A plastic net should be placed over the pond soil to prevent cats, dogs and other animals from preying on the eels. During severe cold and freezing, a layer of straw or other stalks should be placed over the pond surface to keep it warm and prevent freezing. When the temperature rises above 15°C in early spring the following year, feed bait in a timely manner to promote the growth of the eels.
The eel (Monopterus albus, Asian swamp eel) is a semi-hibernating fish. When the temperature drops below 15°C, eels stop eating and moving, and enter hibernation relying on minimal respiration. Therefore, after autumn begins, as temperatures gradually drop, the foraging and activity of eels also gradually weaken. At this time, autumn and winter management needs to be strengthened. The main measures are:
1. Feed more feed with high fat content
This allows the eels to accumulate more fat to be consumed by the body during the fasting hibernation period. Feeds with high fat content include silkworm pupae, earthworms, maggots, etc.; feed as much of these as possible.
2. Harvest reasonably for market
Eels like to burrow into the mud at the bottom of the pond, especially after the temperature drops, when they will burrow into the mud to overwinter. For this reason, for adult eels, they should be reasonably harvested for market before winter arrives. When harvesting, first drain the pond water and remove the surface mud, then turn over the bottom mud with both hands to catch them. Avoid using hard, sharp tools such as iron spades and shovels for deep digging, to prevent cutting or injuring the eels. At the same time, be careful to catch the large ones and keep the small ones, so as to allow spawning and reproduction the following year.
3. Strengthen overwintering protection
For eel ponds with relatively good water source conditions, the deep-water overwintering method can be used, that is, maintaining a water layer of 50 cm-70 cm deep in the pond and placing some aquatic plants, duckweed, etc. on the water surface. When it freezes in winter, break open the ice layer for ventilation. This can both maintain the temperature at the bottom of the pond and maintain the oxygen content of the pond water. When the eels begin hibernating, drain the pond water for overwintering. However, note that the pond soil must be kept moist and must not be too dry. A plastic net should be placed over the pond soil to prevent cats, dogs and other animals from preying on the eels. During severe cold and freezing, a layer of straw or other stalks should be placed over the pond surface to keep it warm and prevent freezing. When the temperature rises above 15°C in early spring the following year, feed bait in a timely manner to promote the growth of the eels.