How much do stone frog tadpoles cost? A detailed guide to farming methods
The stone frog is the most ideal delicious mountain delicacy for nourishing yin and clearing heat. Its meat is delicious and nutritious, and it has long been known as the “king of a hundred frogs”. It has always been a tribute item for the imperial court. Now, because of its fast growth rate, large size, and good market, it has become one of the main edible farmed frog species. Let us take a look at stone frog tadpole prices and farming methods together below!
How much does one stone frog tadpole cost?
The price of stone frog tadpoles is about 0.2 to 0.5 yuan each, but it varies depending on the quality of the tadpoles, purchase quantity, purchase market, and so on. A stone frog lays 250 to 350 eggs at a time, and can lay 1000 to 1500 eggs in one breeding season. The eggs need 20 days to begin hatching at a water temperature of 16 to 18°C, and about 7 days to hatch in water at 26 to 28°C. Tadpoles that hatch early can complete metamorphosis in the same year after a 4 to 5 month growth period, while tadpoles that hatch in the middle and late stages need to overwinter and gradually complete metamorphosis from May to June of the following year. After the young frogs come onto land, they need about 2 years to reach sexual maturity.
Construction of stone frog breeding ponds
1. Breeding frog pond: The area is generally 4 to 10 sq m, the pond height is 0.8 m, the water depth in the pond is 0.1 to 0.15 m, the water-to-land area ratio in the pond is 3:1, and there are stone caves for resting. The bottom of the pond is covered with relatively large goose eggs, the light is dim, and the humidity is kept at 80%.
2. Hatching pond: The area is 1 sq m, the pond height is 0.5 m, the water depth is 15 to 20 cm, the water quality is fresh, pH 6 to 8, and it only needs to contain sufficient oxygen. A large oval basin can also be used instead.
3. Tadpole pond: The area is 3 to 8 sq m, the pond height is 0.8 m, the water depth is 3 to 10 cm, pH 6 to 7, the water-to-land ratio is 2:1, and shading is needed for rearing. It is best to rear one group of tadpoles of the same size in each pond.
4. Young frog pond: The area is 4 to 6 sq m, the pond height is 0.8 m, the water depth is generally 10 to 15 cm, the water-to-land ratio is 2:1, 3 to 5 cm small stones are laid in the pond, stone caves are built, the water quality is good, and the pH value is 6 to 7.5.
Stone frog farming methods
1. Selection of breeding frogs: Breeding frogs are the foundation of artificial propagation. After hibernation and before spring breeding, adult frogs are comprehensively inspected and classified. Adult frogs that are relatively large, robust, smooth-skinned, well developed, free of disabilities, free of injuries, and sexually mature are selected for breeding.
2. Cultivation of breeding frogs: Stone frogs selected for breeding should be given enhanced feeding before hibernation to make them thick and strong. In winter, when the temperature reaches above 12°C, feeding should be maintained to reduce the consumption of energy in the body during winter and maintain the growth of stone frogs and good development of the gonads.
3. Mating and egg laying: Stone frogs usually mate in April. The ratio of females to males is 1:1, and the stocking density is 15 to 20 per sq m. They generally pair after 9 p.m. at night, and the female frogs lay eggs from 4 to 7 a.m. in the early morning, generally laying 300 to 500 eggs each time.
4. Artificial hatching: From the beginning of development of fertilized stone frog eggs to the hatching of tadpoles, they are very sensitive to external changes. During the entire hatching process, technical requirements such as suitable temperature, pollution-free water quality, disinfection of frog eggs, and oxygen enrichment of the hatching pond should be met.
5. Tadpole rearing: Under artificial rearing conditions for stone frogs, after the female frog lays eggs, the eggs hatch into tadpoles after 10 to 15 days of artificial incubation. After hatching, the small tadpoles usually attach to the bottom of the pond and the egg membranes, move very little, and do not forage. After three days, their activity increases and they begin to forage.
6. Young frog rearing: Feed for young frogs includes fly maggots, yellow mealworms, earthworms, and so on. During the day, light-shielding measures are taken, the water depth is 10 to 15 cm, and the water quality is the same as during the tadpole stage. Water changes are determined according to water temperature and water quality changes. At 20 to 26°C, change the water once a day.
7. Safe overwintering: Tadpoles can overwinter indoors, with a water depth of about 20 cm, using measures such as constant running water, covering the frog pond, and heat preservation to prevent freezing. For young frogs in hibernation, the water depth is about 15 cm and a certain amount of land is left. In low-temperature and freezing weather, measures for heat preservation and freeze prevention should be taken.