The yellow-throated turtle, also known as the golden-throated turtle or sweet turtle, is a small to medium-sized freshwater species native to regions such as Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and other southern provinces in China. These turtles are characterized by their flat, oval-shaped shells, which typically measure around 15 cm in length. Known for their gentle temperament, they are not only prized as a delicacy but also have medicinal value. Additionally, they are considered one of the best species for breeding high-quality ornamental turtles, such as the green-eared turtles, making them popular among both consumers and breeders.
Ecological farming of the yellow-throated turtle involves careful planning and management. First, the construction of a suitable turtle pond is essential. The site should be open, sunny, sheltered from strong winds, quiet, and well-watered. Ponds can vary in size depending on the scale of farming, with shapes ranging from round, oval, rectangular, or irregular. The depth should be over 1 meter. A sloped area of 25–30 degrees connects the pond to a courtyard. For smaller pools, bricks and cement are used for walls and floors, with a 20 cm layer of sand at the bottom. The pool should be about 3–5 square meters in size, with a height of 70–100 cm. A feeding platform also serves as a resting and basking area. A 5–8 square meter spawning area is set up on the sunny side of the pond, with 40 cm of sandy loam soil for egg-laying. A rain shelter is built above the area, with flowers or vines planted nearby to provide a safe and natural environment for the turtles. Before use, the new pond is disinfected with lime water for 5–7 days, then cleaned with a bleach solution before filling with fresh water.
Feeding and management are crucial for the growth and health of the turtles. Newly hatched turtles weigh only 3–5 grams and rely on the yolk sac for the first three days. After that, they can be fed cooked egg yolk or mealworms. By day seven, they are introduced to soft, easily digestible food like finely chopped fish, organ meats, fruits, vegetables, and potatoes. Feeding is done at about 5% of their body weight, and they usually finish within 100 minutes. During summer, feedings are given twice daily, while in spring and autumn, once a day. High-protein and high-fat feeds are important during late autumn to help the turtles store energy for winter.
Young turtles are raised in pools or containers with a depth of 10–15 cm, allowing them to choose between water and dry areas. The density is about 100 per square meter. After 15–30 days, they are moved to young turtle pools. If indoors, the water depth should be increased to 30 cm, and the pool walls should prevent escape. The water-to-land ratio should be 2:1, with a 20 cm layer of hard clay at the bottom. Feed for young turtles includes vegetable-based foods like ducklings or melons, in addition to hatchling diets. During peak seasons (May–August), feeding increases to 10% of their body weight, and high-fat feed is added one month before wintering. Water is changed every 3–5 days, replacing about one-third each time.
After 2–3 months of careful rearing, hatchlings can reach over 50 grams. When temperatures stabilize above 20°C, they can be moved to outdoor ponds. By the third year, when they weigh over 250 grams, they are ready for breeding to produce green-eared turtles.
Breeding yellow-throated turtles requires selecting healthy adults. Males should weigh over 300 grams, have a narrow body, large carapace, and a long tail, while females should weigh over 400 grams, with a round body, short tail, and flat plastron. A female-to-male ratio of 2:1 to 2.5:1 is ideal. Breeding occurs between May and September, with mating taking place in the evening or early morning. Eggs are collected two days after laying, and must be incubated at 28–30°C with 85% humidity. Hatchlings emerge after 55–60 days, with an average hatching rate of 90%. Proper care and management ensure the survival and growth of the next generation of these valuable turtles.
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