Since the money turtle holds significant economic value, years of research and practical experience have led to substantial progress in its breeding. Although it has a relatively short history, it has already laid a solid foundation for professional breeding. With technical support, China's turtle conservation efforts are poised to reach new heights.
First, the design of the turtle pond is crucial. In nature, turtles adapt well to varying weather conditions, which allows them to thrive freely with access to food and space. This natural freedom helps them stay healthy and disease-free. To mimic this environment, turtle ponds must be well-ventilated from all sides. Many turtles fail to lay eggs if the conditions aren't right. For example, without sufficient rain, the eggs become soft, and without proper sunlight, hatching becomes difficult.
The current best design for a turtle pond is a 5-meter-long by 3.5-meter-wide rectangular pool. The walls are built with bricks about 50 cm high to prevent escape, while the floor and walls are tiled to avoid leaks and protect the turtles from injury. The pool is divided into three sections: one-third is for water, one-third is a dry area for activity, and the final third is a raised sandy area for egg-laying. This area should be filled with fine sand and soil to provide a suitable nesting site for female turtles. It's important to maintain the right humidity to help females dig and lay eggs.
Sheds should be installed over the pools to provide shade, ensuring the turtles are not exposed to direct sunlight. The water should be clean and changed regularly, and the surrounding area should be kept quiet and green with plants to create a natural habitat. Regular disinfection and limited human access are also essential to reduce stress and prevent disease.
Second, breeding density plays an important role. A 5x3.5 meter pond can typically house 3–6 adult turtles per square meter, or around 50–100 money turtles, depending on their size.
Third, feeding is another key aspect. Turtles are carnivorous, so they should be fed fresh foods like clams, minced meat, fish, shrimp, and beef. Vegetables can be added in a ratio of 3:1 or 4:1. Feed once daily, and make sure the food is properly mixed into pellets since turtles swallow without chewing. Adult turtles eat about 15g of food per 500g of body weight. Feeding increases with higher temperatures, but decreases in winter when they hibernate. Daily cleaning is necessary to prevent waste buildup and maintain water quality.
Regarding the closed-shell turtle breeding situation, there are seven species of shell turtles globally, mainly found in East and Southeast Asia. Among them, five are exclusive to China, making them national treasures. For instance, the golden-headed box turtle was discovered in 1988 and has gained popularity due to its high ornamental value and rarity. However, despite the growing interest in artificial breeding, the number of species being bred is still small, and many face challenges such as low reproduction rates and lack of breeding experience.
Currently, the most popular species in the market is the golden-headed box turtle, followed by the three-lined and Pan’s shell turtles. Correct identification is critical to avoid mislabeling, as some species are often mistaken for others. For example, yellow-edged box turtles are frequently sold as golden-headed ones. Farmers must be cautious to ensure they are breeding the right species for profitability.
Finally, feeding methods vary. Some breeders use warming techniques during winter to accelerate growth and achieve faster profits. This method is especially useful for raising seedlings, allowing them to reach marketable size more quickly. Overall, careful planning, accurate species identification, and proper care are essential for successful turtle farming.
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