Detailed Guide to Autumn Turtle Hatchling Introduction Techniques and Rearing Methods

Because turtle hatchlings go through an adaptation process when moving from one environment to a new one, and that period lasts 1 to 2 months before they gradually become normal. Also, turtles are poikilothermic animals, so after entering autumn, as the temperature gradually drops, turtles also gradually grow more slowly. The advantage of introducing breeding stock in autumn lies in seizing the opportunity when turtles are growing slowly at this time and letting them adapt to the new environment. After the beginning of spring, as the temperature rises, the turtles immediately enter a growth state and do not need to adapt to the new environment again. Under normal circumstances, turtle hatchlings introduced in autumn enter the growth period 1 to 2 months earlier than those introduced in spring.

Variety Quality

Whether the variety selected is correct directly affects economic benefits. China currently has 25 species of freshwater turtles. Before introduction, a survey of the turtle market is needed to confirm which type of turtle can be profitable, and then introduce an appropriate amount based on one's own conditions. When introducing seedlings, one should go to a breeding farm or related professional unit with a good reputation and good after-sales service. In recent years, due to the decline in breeding, some soft-shelled turtle farms have turned to @#@238@#@. Nationwide, most turtle farms only raise a few species such as the Chinese pond turtle, and most species among freshwater turtles have not yet been artificially bred. Turtle hatchlings are divided into hatchlings and juveniles. Mr. Jiang Zhanglin, director of the Longtouge Amphibian and Reptile Research Institute in Haining City, Zhejiang Province, and a turtle-breeding expert, suggests that introduction households raise juvenile turtles of about 200 grams, which can yield results in the same year. When selecting turtle hatchlings, one can observe from aspects such as mental state and appearance. Turtles with no surface injuries, complete claws, and quick reactions are regarded as healthy.

Rearing Methods

The choice of rearing method depends on one's own conditions, and it is best to adapt measures to local conditions.

Greenhouse rearing: build a rearing pond, introduce turtle hatchlings, control the water temperature at around 25°C (the suitable growth temperature for turtles), and raise the turtles into commercial turtles in a short period. Its characteristics are: short growth cycle and quick results, but relatively large investment. Under normal circumstances, the market is not easily receptive to turtles grown with heating, and the price is slightly lower than ordinary rearing, so it is not suitable to advocate. However, using this method can be used for breeding turtles, and it is still beneficial to the growth of hatchlings.

Fish-turtle mixed culture: use existing ponds, make slight modifications, form a new food chain based on differences in living habits among animals, and stock @#@233@#@ and turtles in the ponds. Its characteristics: fully utilize the pond, improve feeding efficiency, low cost, not limited by season, and relatively low risk.

Rice field rearing: slightly modify the rice field, dig it into a ""-shaped ditch, and implement "semi-ecological farming." Its characteristics are: strong resource advantages and complementary fishery and agriculture, and it is worth advocating.

Feeding Techniques

Stocking density directly affects the growth speed and survival rate of turtles. High rearing density restricts turtle growth and easily causes disease in turtles; conversely, growth is suitable and the disease rate is low. Generally speaking, juvenile turtles (under 250 grams) should be stocked at no more than 10 per sq m.

Feed plays a leading role in the growth speed, physique, and resistance of turtles. For example, feeding feed lacking certain nutrients often leads to malnutrition in turtles and causes disease. This is because turtles have different needs for nutritional components and quantities at different growth stages.

Water temperature: turtles are ectothermic animals, and the suitable growth temperature for most turtles is 25°C~30°C.

Disease prevention and control: It is difficult to detect illness in turtles only by external symptoms. Once symptoms such as stopped eating, slow reactions, and weakness of the limbs are found, the condition is already serious. Therefore, the principle of prevention first must be followed.