The Snapping Turtle, originally native to North and Central America, is also commonly referred to as the "small crocodile turtle." In recent years, China has successfully implemented artificial breeding programs for this species. Known for its strong body and high-quality meat, it is often called a "meat turtle" due to its exceptional meat yield, which ranks first among turtles at 85%-89%. The snapping turtle is rich in nutrients, grows quickly, and has high economic value. It can gain an average of 550-1100 grams per year, which is several times faster than that of ordinary turtles.
Its meat is tender, crispy, and flavorful, with no unpleasant odor. It is highly nutritious and is believed to help replenish yin and blood, enhance mental clarity, and boost energy. It has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as post-illness fatigue, anemia, weakness, coughing, and insomnia, especially after childbirth or during periods of physical exhaustion. The turtle's shell has anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat conditions caused by yin and blood deficiency. Its blood and other parts also have medicinal value.
Key farming techniques are outlined below:
(1) **Habitat and Behavior**
Snapping Turtles can survive in water temperatures ranging from 3°C to 45°C, but they are most active between 20°C and 30°C, and grow fastest at 28°C to 31°C. They enter hibernation when the temperature drops below 15°C and can die if exposed to temperatures below 0°C. They can survive winter safely above 1°C. These turtles prefer quiet environments and are omnivorous, eating aquatic animals, dead fish, plants, fruits, and various insects. In captivity, they can be fed fresh fish, shrimp, snails, mealworms, livestock organs, and commercial turtle feed.
(2) **Pond Construction**
The rearing pond should be 1-1.5 meters deep, with a land area of 10%-20% for spawning. The walls should be built with masonry and smoothed with grout. A 40 cm layer of sand is placed on the spawning area, sloped at 45 degrees and covered with wood or foam to prevent damage. A 1-1.5 meter high wall is needed around the pond to prevent escape. Small breeders can use pots covered with nylon nets. New cement pools should be sterilized with bleach and soaked in superphosphate solution before use.
(3) **Feeding and Management**
Turtles should be graded and stocked according to size: 1 male and 2 females per square meter, or 3 medium turtles, or 5-10 hatchlings. Feeding should be done at fixed points, times, and quantities. In early spring and winter, feed once at noon; in late spring and autumn, feed twice daily—90% at 9:00 AM and 60% in the evening. Food should be available for 2.5 hours. Young turtles require finely ground food, while adults can eat raw or cooked meat. Vegetables and fruits should be added in moderation.
Water should be changed every 20-50 days, keeping the transparency between 10-20 cm. Disinfection with 10 mg/kg bleach is recommended every 20-30 days. During summer, maintain a water depth of 80 cm and provide shade. Duckweed and trees around the pond help regulate temperature. In winter, reduce water changes but ensure regular cleaning.
Breeding begins at 3 years old or when weight reaches 1 kg. Mating occurs in April-May and September-October, with females laying 11-50 eggs per batch, up to 30-120 eggs annually. Incubation is done in a box filled with sterilized sand, with eggs placed 5 cm deep. Maintaining a temperature of 30°C and humidity of 80%-90% results in a 98% hatching rate. Hatchlings are kept in potassium permanganate solution for disinfection before being moved to clean water.
(4) **Disease Prevention**
With proper hygiene and sterilization, diseases are rare. Minor issues like inflammation or colds can be treated with antibiotics. Gastroenteritis can be managed with norfloxacin, and indigestion with enzymes or yeast tablets. Infected turtles can be soaked in hydromycotic net solution or saline for 15 minutes.
By following these methods, farmers can efficiently raise snapping turtles, ensuring both health and profitability.
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