The hatchling refers to a turtle that has hatched from an egg and survived until the following winter. These young turtles are physically delicate, with low adaptability to their environment, slow growth rates, and high mortality. Proper care during this stage is crucial for future breeding success and directly impacts economic returns in turtle farming. This period is the most critical in artificial breeding, and mastering the key techniques can significantly improve growth rates and survival.
1. **Handling Hatchlings Properly**
It's essential to strengthen the hatchlings' immunity and adaptability before they enter the rearing pond.
- After hatching, leave the baby turtles in a moist sand environment for 1–2 days. This allows the umbilical cord to dry and the body to straighten. Once ready, transfer them into indoor containers. During this time, they do not need to eat as they still have yolk sacs. Studies show that a moist sandy environment helps enhance their immunity and adaptability.
- Before entering the nursery pool, perform a medicinal bath. Soak the hatchlings in a 15-PPM nitrofurazone solution for 15–20 minutes, then in a 40-PPM potassium permanganate and 2–3% saline solution for 10–15 minutes. This not only increases survival but also promotes healthy growth. The treatment is gentle on their skin while effectively disinfecting.
2. **Creating an Ideal Living Environment**
Juvenile turtles require a stable and suitable habitat to thrive.
- The pool should be rectangular concrete, with indoor areas of 5–10 square meters and outdoor pools around 40–50 cm deep. The pool should slope at 2% from inlet to outlet. A feeding station should be placed 2 cm below the water level, and a resting area should be built at a 30-degree angle on the side wall, extending about 20 cm into the water. The bottom should be covered with fine sand (No. 14 sieve, not passing No. 30) to 10–20 cm depth. This provides good ventilation and protects the hatchlings' sensitive skin when they burrow.
- Water quality is vital. Use clean river or lake water with plankton, a yellow-green color, and 30–40 cm transparency. Remove uneaten food daily and change the water every 3–5 days. Maintain a temperature of 25–30°C. In summer, provide shade or cool water; in winter, use heating methods like hot water pipes or light bulbs to keep the water from freezing.
- The surrounding area should be quiet, sunny, and free from pollution and noise. This creates a stress-free environment for the turtles, satisfying their "three joys" (sun, warmth, clean water) and reducing their "three fears" (cold, wind, dirt).
- Stocking density should be controlled at 40–50 per square meter to avoid overcrowding and promote faster growth.
3. **Nutrition and Feeding**
Hatchlings require soft, fresh, and easily digestible food. You can feed them chopped fish, shrimp, snails, clams, or organ meats. Vegetables and grains can be added for balance. Commercial turtle feed mixed with 10–20% blisters and blended with vegetable juice into a dough form is also effective.
4. **Daily Management**
Hatchlings need careful attention. Check the ponds twice daily and record water temperature, pH, clarity, and color. Observe feeding behavior and ensure uniform size. Separate larger and smaller turtles to prevent competition. Feed four times a day and protect against predators like snakes, rats, and birds. Isolate sick turtles immediately and disinfect the area to prevent disease spread.
5. **Winter Care**
Young turtles are vulnerable during winter due to their small size and limited energy reserves. Preparations must be made in advance. Seal windows and doors of the wintering pool to keep it warm. Cover the pool with 20–30 cm of sand and maintain a water depth of over 1 meter. When temperatures drop to 14°C, move the hatchlings indoors, keeping a stocking density of 100–200 per square meter. Use heating methods such as hot water pipes or electric heaters to maintain an indoor temperature between 0–8°C. This ensures their survival and prepares them for the next growing season.
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