Greenhouse turtles should pay attention to turtle stocking methods
July 02 12:03:11, 2025
In recent years, an increasing number of places have started using temperature control systems to raise domestic turtles. However, the stocking process still follows traditional methods used for fish seedlings, which has led to a high mortality rate among turtle hatchlings within a few days of being introduced into the ponds. This problem is particularly costly for farmers, as turtle seedlings are expensive and their loss can cause significant economic damage. The following text provides a brief analysis of the main causes behind this issue and introduces proper stocking techniques for better results.
First, the main cause of death. Turtles and earthworms have different biological structures and environmental needs. For example, softshell turtles have a flexible shell that allows them to float more easily in water, so when they are stocked, they tend to spread out quickly and hide in the sand at the bottom. In contrast, young turtles have a hard shell on their back and, when disturbed, will retract their head, limbs, and tail into a ball, making them unable to float. If they are simply poured into the water like fish fry, they will sink to the bottom. Since turtles breathe through their "pharyngeal" lungs, if they cannot reach the surface quickly, they will drown or suffer from water inhalation, leading to suffocation or edema. These dead turtles often sink to the bottom and go unnoticed, further compounding the problem.
Second, the correct stocking method. Based on the natural behavior of turtles, the following steps should be taken to ensure safe and effective stocking:
1. Prepare the environment before stocking. Turtles prefer to live near the water surface, so in addition to standard pond disinfection and water conditioning, it's important to provide suitable habitats. Place cement tiles in the pond, ideally 25 cm away from the walls, with only one or two rows in the center. The tiles should be positioned 2-3 cm below the water surface to allow easy access.
2. Stocking process. The actual stocking is simple: gently place the turtle hatchlings onto the designated platforms. Avoid dropping them from a height, and give them time to adjust. Once they feel safe, they will move on their own. This approach reduces stress and improves survival rates significantly.
By following these methods, farmers can minimize losses and improve the overall success of turtle farming.