How are soft-shelled turtle eggs artificially incubated? Simple and practical methods for aquaculture

There are many methods for incubating soft-shelled turtle eggs. For small-scale farming operations or individual farmers who do not have constant-temperature facilities, making a homemade incubation box and relying mainly on artificial humidity control can be described as both simple and easy to carry out, while also achieving a relatively ideal hatch rate.?

I. Making the incubation box?

Pine wood is preferred for making the incubation box. It not only has an insecticidal effect, but when damp it is also not prone to rotting, nor does it breed mold, and it will not affect the air permeability and water filtration of the incubation sand. The specifications of the incubation box are generally 80 cm long, 50 cm wide, 40 cm high at the front, and 60 cm high at the back, with the upper opening slanted. Drill 2-3 drainage holes in the bottom of the box to help excess water filter out of the box during incubation. To make it easier to observe the incubation conditions inside the box, the top cover panel and the front baffle can be fitted with flat glass, and it can be used after disinfection.?

II. Selection of sand for incubation?

For the sand used in incubation, pure river sand and pure medium sand (sand diameter 1.43-1.5 mm) have the best effect, because their particle size is uniform and their air permeability is good, which can make the moisture content, oxygen supply, and heat transfer during incubation more uniform. The selected sand particles should be disinfected and sterilized by sun exposure, boiling, or bleaching powder before use. Before use, its moisture content also needs to be tested, because the moisture of the sand is an important factor determining the hatch rate. Generally, a "hand-squeeze sand test" can be used to identify its moisture. That is, tightly squeeze wet sand in the hand; if no water drips from between the fingers, and after releasing the hand the wet sand forms a clump, and when the clump is gently dropped, it breaks apart upon hitting the ground, this indicates that its moisture content is about 5-12%, and it can be put into the box for incubation; if water drips from between the fingers when tightly squeezing the wet sand, or the sand does not form a clump after releasing the hand, this indicates that its moisture is too high or too low, and it cannot be used.?

III. Laying out the sand and eggs?

In the bottom layer of the incubation box, from bottom to top, spread coarse cobbles (pebble diameter 0.5-1 cm), coarse sand (sand diameter 2-3 mm), and medium sand, each 3-5 cm. Then place 2-3 layers of fertilized eggs, with the white spot of the egg (animal pole) facing upward, with about 1 cm between eggs, and the upper and lower layers arranged in a staggered "pin"-shaped pattern. On top of the eggs, spread 5 cm of medium sand and then 1-2 cm of fine sand in sequence; the fine sand is mainly used to maintain moisture and prevent water from evaporating too quickly. On top of the fine sand, place another layer of towel, and spray water onto the towel to keep the humidity inside the box uniform.?

IV. Storage of the incubation box?

The incubation box can be stored indoors where the temperature is relatively stable, the environment is quiet, and it is easy to manage, such as in a plastic greenhouse; if there are only 1 or 2 boxes, placing them in a residential room is also acceptable. After the eggs and sand are placed in the box, a water trough should be placed inside the box along the left and right edges at a slope to the sand surface, so that newly hatched juvenile soft-shelled turtles can play in the water on their own. To prevent ants and other small insects from harming the turtle eggs, a large tray can be placed at the bottom of the box, with water in the tray, using water to seal off the bottom and surroundings of the box. Under conditions that do not affect temperature changes, ventilation should be maximized and indoor light should be increased as much as possible.?

V. Key management points?

1. Strictly control the moisture content of the sand bed. If the sand bed is too wet or too dry, it directly affects incubation and the survival rate. Generally, the hatch rate is highest when the humidity is 80%-85%, so its moisture should be tested regularly and water sprayed at appropriate times to maintain moisture.?

2. Keep the incubation temperature as stable as possible; the suitable temperature is 25-36°C, and the hatch rate is highest at 30±3°C. If the temperature fluctuation during incubation exceeds the suitable range, electric fans, stoves, and other means should be used as much as possible to adjust the temperature.?

3. The water used for incubation should be fresh, non-toxic, harmless, and pollution-free. The temperature of the sprayed water should be equal or close to the temperature of the sand bed; never use water that is too cold or hot water above 36°C.?

4. Prevent harmful organisms such as ants and mice from attacking and damaging the fertilized eggs or juvenile soft-shelled turtles.?

5. After the juvenile soft-shelled turtles hatch, let them move freely in the sand tray for about 2 hours; after they have shed the embryonic serous membrane and umbilical cord from their bodies, then spray water, disinfect, and place them into the rearing pond.