Construction Methods and Technical Points for Soft-Shelled Turtle Ponds

1. Hatchling turtle pond

Those from just hatched to under 10 grams are called hatchlings. The pond area is 2 sq m to 8 sq m, rectangular, with a depth of 0.3 m to 0.4 m. The water depth is maintained at 0.1 m to 0.15 m, the pond bottom is covered with fine sand, and a shade shed 1 to 1.5 m above the top of the pond is built over it. Resting platforms about 20 cm wide need to be built at both ends. At the junction of the resting platform and the water surface, build a 30° slope so they can climb up and down.

2. Juvenile turtle pond

Those weighing about 10 grams to 100 grams are called juveniles. The pond area is 20 sq m to 200 sq m, the pond depth is 0.6 m to 0.8 m, the water depth is maintained at 0.3 m to 0.4 m, the pond bottom is covered with 8 cm to 10 cm of fine sand, and resting platforms are set at both ends of the pond.

3. Adult turtle pond

Those weighing more than 100 grams are called adults. The area is 30 sq m to 300 sq m. Since individuals from 100 grams to 1500 grams or heavier all belong to the adult stage, several more ponds should be built and they should be raised separately by size. The pond depth is about 1.5 m, the water depth is between 0.8 m and 1.2 m, and the pond bottom is covered with 5 cm of fine sand.

4. Broodstock turtle pond

The area is 50 sq m to 300 sq m, the pond depth is 1.6 m, and the water depth is maintained at about 1.2 m. The pond bottom is covered with 25 cm of fine sand. On one side or around the pond, set up an egg-laying site, accounting for about one quarter of the pond area and 20 cm above the water surface, with about 35 cm of fine sand in the site and some winding paths. The pond must be sturdy, escape-proof and leak-proof.