Methods for Introducing Turtle Hatchlings in Autumn and Rearing Methods

Because turtle hatchlings go through an adaptation process when moving from one environment to a new one, with a cycle of 1 month to 2 months before they gradually become normal, and moreover turtles are ectothermic animals, after entering autumn, as the temperature gradually drops, turtles also gradually grow more slowly. The advantage of introducing stock in autumn lies in seizing the opportunity when turtles grow slowly at this time, letting them adapt to the new environment. After spring begins, the temperature rises, and the turtles immediately enter a growth state without needing to adapt to the new environment again. Under normal circumstances, turtle hatchlings introduced in autumn enter the growth period 1 month to 2 months earlier than turtle hatchlings introduced in spring.

Variety Quality

Choosing the right variety directly affects economic returns. China currently has 25 species of freshwater turtles. Before introducing stock, it is necessary to conduct a survey of the turtle market to confirm which type of turtle can be profitable, and then introduce stock appropriately according to one's own conditions. When introducing seedlings, one should go to farms or related professional units with good reputations and good after-sales service. In recent years, due to the decline in breeding, some soft-shelled turtle farms have shifted to @#@238@#@. Nationwide, most turtle farms raise only a few species such as the Chinese pond turtle, and most species of 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-raising expert, suggests that introducing households raise juveniles of about 200 grams, which will yield returns in the same year they are put in. When selecting turtle hatchlings, one can observe their mental state, appearance, and other aspects. Turtles with no surface injuries, complete claws, and quick reactions are considered 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 involves building rearing ponds, introducing turtle hatchlings, and controlling the water temperature at around 25°C (the suitable growth temperature for turtles), to 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 does not easily accept turtles grown with heating, and the price is slightly lower than that of ordinary rearing, so it is not advisable to advocate it. However, using this method can be used for breeding stock turtles and is still beneficial for the growth of hatchlings.

Fish-turtle mixed rearing uses existing ponds, with slight modifications, to form a new food chain based on differences in the living habits of the animals, and stock @#@233@#@ and turtles in the ponds. Its characteristics: full use of ponds, improved feeding efficiency, low cost, not limited by season, and relatively low risk.

Rice field rearing involves slightly modifying rice fields and digging them into a "field"-shaped trench to implement "semi-ecological breeding." Its characteristics are: strong resource advantages and mutual complementarity between fishery and agriculture, and it is worth advocating.

Rearing Techniques

Stocking density directly affects the growth rate 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, juveniles (under 250 grams) should be stocked at no more than 10 per sq m.

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

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 from external symptoms alone. Once symptoms such as cessation of eating, slow reactions, and weakness of the limbs are found, the condition is already serious. Therefore, the principle of prevention first must be adopted.