Why is the golden-headed turtle called a masterpiece among turtles?
The golden-headed turtle, also known as the snake-eating turtle, is a specialty of China and originally lived in mountain streams south of the Yangtze River basin; it is now on the verge of extinction.
The golden-headed turtle has a smooth, scale-free head, a short snout that does not protrude beyond the edge of the beak, an upper beak with a distinct notch, large eyes, a round and clearly visible tympanum, and a broad golden-yellow arc-shaped stripe behind the eye, hence the name "golden-headed turtle."
The golden-headed turtle is a treasure among turtles; its meat is delicious and tastier than that of the golden coin turtle, rich in protein, vitamins and essential amino acids for the human body, and is a premium tonic. The plastron of the golden-headed turtle can be processed into many kinds of traditional Chinese patent medicines. The Compendium of Materia Medica records that the golden-headed turtle can treat fractures, muscle and tendon injuries, green snake bites, and festering wounds. It is commonly used in folk medicine to treat throat ailments, cancer, hepatitis B and cirrhosis, and has a special effect in strengthening bones and muscles and treating impotence.
The golden-headed turtle has an antique appearance, looking like a model of an amphibious tank, with secretive and nimble movements; when it stretches its neck to look for food, it resembles a dinosaur, so its ornamental value is extremely high.
The golden-headed turtle can be raised in dry conditions or semi-dry conditions and can survive for long periods away from water. The golden-headed turtle has a wide diet; in the wild it mainly eats insects, snails and tender plants, while under artificial rearing it is fed animal-based feed supplemented with plant-based feed. It grows normally when raised between 0°C and 40°C. When the golden-headed turtle weighs 250 grams, it can be sold as a commercial turtle and can lay eggs. The egg-laying period is from May to September each year, and each female turtle can lay 30 to 60 eggs per year. The eggs are white and oval, and the incubation method is the same as for other turtles.