What are the disinfection methods for sand used in turtle and soft-shelled turtle incubation

In recent years, with the rise of artificial @#@238@#@ soft-shelled turtle farming, how to increase the hatching rate of turtle and soft-shelled turtle eggs and hatchlings has become an urgent matter. Because some turtle and soft-shelled turtle farms still use the traditional old method, using untreated sand as the carrier for incubating eggs, they do not realize that untreated sand contains a large number of pathogens and pests, which often contaminates and ruins the eggs during incubation, and some farms fail because of this.

In my 21 years of turtle and soft-shelled turtle farming practice, I have worked out methods for disinfecting sand and improved the hatching rate. Now I will introduce several very practical disinfection methods:

I. Sun-exposure method

Spread the sand flat on a concrete floor at a thickness of 2 cm to 3 cm and expose it to the sun for 5 days to 6 days. Turn the sand several times every day so that the sun's ultraviolet rays shine on it evenly. Because the sun's ultraviolet rays have no penetrating power and can only kill surface bacteria, turning it more often is helpful for sterilization.

II. Bleaching powder disinfection

Soak the sand in a clarified 1:10,000 bleaching powder solution, carrying it out in the evening at sunset to avoid sunlight causing the available chlorine to become ineffective. Soaking for 1 hour to 2 hours is suitable. Then take out the sand, drain the water, and place it in a ventilated place for several days before using it as incubation sand. Note that bleaching powder can only be dissolved in cold water, not hot water, to avoid losing its sterilizing effect.

III. Potassium permanganate disinfection

First put the sand in a basket or a leaky cloth bag, then pour a 1:5,000 potassium permanganate solution over the sand until it is thoroughly soaked. After letting it dry for several days, it can be used as incubation sand. Note that potassium permanganate must first be dissolved in warm water, and then cold water must be added to reach the required dilution. This is because the chemical is not easy to dissolve directly in cold water, while boiling water will reduce its sterilizing effect.

IV. Boiling method

Put the sand in a pot, add water, and boil for 15 minutes. After cooling, take it out, but prevent it from coming into contact with greasy substances, so as not to block the air pores on the surface of the eggs and cause the unhatched hatchlings of turtles and soft-shelled turtles to suffocate to death.

In addition, sand used for incubation must also be sieved once in advance to remove sand grains that are too large or too small, then washed and filtered with water to wash away sludge, dirt, and substances that easily rot and ferment, and then disinfecting it is even better.