When raising baby turtles, it's essential to start with healthy individuals. Choose a species that is active, has a complete and symmetrical shell without deformities or injuries, and shows no signs of illness. The size should be appropriate for the species—like the Brazilian red-eared slider, which should have a shell length of at least 3 cm and weigh over 6 grams; the Chinese softshell turtle should have a shell length of 2.6 cm and width of 2.2 cm, weighing more than 3.5 grams; and the yellow-throated turtle should weigh over 7 grams. Selecting high-quality hatchlings ensures better survival and growth.
Next, prepare a suitable environment. A rectangular cement pool with a slight slope (around 2.5 degrees) on the bottom is ideal for drainage and cleaning. Place a cement slab in the pool so that half of it is above water and half is submerged. This provides shade, hiding spots, and a feeding area. Before introducing the turtles, disinfect the pool using bleach or quicklime. Maintain the water pH between 7 and 8, keep the water green and clear, with a transparency of about 25–30 cm for optimal conditions.
Stocking density is important. For juvenile turtles, aim for 50 to 100 per square meter. If the density is high, change the water frequently; if low, change it every five days. Before placing them in the pool, soak the hatchlings in a 4 PPM potassium permanganate solution or saltwater for about 20 minutes to prevent disease.
Water levels should be kept shallow, around 10–20 cm, and gradually increased as the turtles grow. Maintain a stable temperature between 26°C and 30°C, with a maximum daily temperature difference of 4°C. Add aquatic plants like water hyacinth or water peanuts to improve water quality and provide shelter.
Feeding is crucial during the early stages. Hatchlings should be fed animal-based foods. Newly hatched turtles can survive on their yolk sac for the first day or two, then feed them boiled egg yolk, red worms, and finely chopped green leeks. After a week, introduce minced fish, quail, and organ meats. Ensure all food is fresh, soft, easy to digest, and avoid anything that spoils quickly or is hard to process, such as fatty meats or large pieces.
Winter care depends on the method used. One option is to keep them warm throughout the winter, while the other is natural hibernation. Due to their small size and limited energy reserves, it’s safer to extend their growing season before winter. For natural hibernation, spread 20 cm of moist sand in the pool, let the turtles burrow into it, and maintain proper humidity. Cover with straw for insulation, but avoid freezing the sand. If you choose temperature-controlled hibernation, gradually lower the temperature over 5–7 days to mimic natural conditions.
Disease prevention is key. Change the water weekly and use alternating solutions of 1/10,000 potassium permanganate and 2 PPM furazolidone. Mix antibiotics like terramycin or furazolidone into their food. Disinfect the feeding area regularly with bleach or lime. Monitor the turtles closely—if any appear sluggish or float instead of sinking, treat them immediately. Keep the area secure to prevent predators like cats, dogs, rats, snakes, and ants from harming the hatchlings.
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