When raising baby turtles, the first and most important step is selecting a healthy species. When purchasing, look for turtles with complete shells, no deformities, signs of illness, or injuries. They should be active and lively. Choose turtles that match the appropriate size and weight for their species. For example, Brazilian red-eared sliders 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, width of 2.2 cm, and weigh more than 3.5 grams. Yellow-throated turtles should weigh over 7 grams.
Next, prepare the juvenile turtle pool with proper water quality and disinfection. The pool should ideally be a rectangular cement tank with a 2.5-degree slope on the bottom to aid in drainage and cleaning. It also allows hatchlings to choose between shallow and deep water areas. A cement slab should be placed in the pool, half-dry and half-wet, providing shade, shelter, and a feeding area. Before introducing the hatchlings, thoroughly disinfect the pool using bleach or quicklime. Maintain a pH level between 7 and 8, with green, clear water and a transparency of about 25–30 cm.
For stocking the hatchlings, the density should generally be between 50 to 100 per square meter. If the density is high, change the water frequently. If it's lower, change the water every 5 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 infections.
Maintain the water level in the turtle pool at around 10–20 cm, gradually increasing as they grow. Keep the water temperature between 26°C and 30°C, ensuring the daily temperature difference doesn’t exceed 4°C. Add aquatic plants like water hyacinth or water lentils to help purify the water and provide hiding spots, creating a more natural and comfortable environment for the young turtles.
Feeding is crucial during the hatchling stage. Initially, they rely on their yolk sac and don’t need to be fed right away. After 1–2 days, feed them cooked egg yolks, red worms, and finely chopped green leeks. One week later, introduce minced fish, quail meat, and animal liver. All food must be fresh, finely chopped, easy to digest, and not prone to spoilage. Avoid feeding anything indigestible, such as cocoons or fatty organs. Feed twice a day, offering 5–10% of their total body weight, and ensure the food is consumed within two hours.
During winter, there are two main methods for overwintering: either keep them warm or allow them to hibernate naturally. Since young turtles have limited energy reserves and poor environmental adaptability, it’s safer to extend their growth period before winter. For natural hibernation, spread 20 cm of moist sand at the bottom of the pool. Gently place the hatchlings into the sand, keeping it slightly damp. Cover with straw or other insulating materials to protect from freezing. Avoid sudden temperature drops; if using temperature-controlled hibernation, gradually reduce the temperature over 5–7 days to avoid shock.
Disease prevention is essential. 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. Regularly disinfect the feeding area with bleach or lime. Monitor hatchlings closely—those that appear sluggish or float instead of sinking should be treated immediately. Always keep the enclosure secure to prevent predators like cats, dogs, rats, snakes, and ants from harming the young turtles.
Cross-Linked Ha Filler,Cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid Filler,Cross Linked Ha Filler,Cross Linked Hyaluronic Acid Gel
Qingdao Beautiful Skin Biotechnoly Co., Ltd , https://www.hafilleresthetic.com