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Eight ways to raise and manage young turtles
A hatchling is a young turtle that has just emerged from its egg. Upon hatching, juvenile tortoises are typically very small, weighing between 3 to 13 grams. Their bodies are still delicate, their movements are weak, and they are not yet fully adapted to the outside world. Without proper care, they can easily fall ill or even die. Therefore, careful management of hatchlings is essential in turtle rearing. Here are eight key points to consider when raising young turtles.
First, after the hatchlings emerge from the shell, they should not be immediately removed. They need time to crawl on the sand for 1 to 3 hours, allowing their umbilical cords to dry and close naturally. Then, place them in containers like tubs or plastic basins for 2 to 3 days. This helps ensure the yolk sac is fully absorbed and prevents infections. A healthy hatchling should have a closed umbilicus, weigh over 4 grams, show good activity, and be free from disease or injury.
Second, before placing them in the water, it's recommended to soak the hatchlings in a solution of 500-800 mg/L vitamin C for 10 minutes. This improves survival rates and supports their growth.
Third, set up a suitable environment: use an indoor cement pool measuring 4 to 10 square meters with a water depth of 10 to 20 cm. Provide a shallow feeding area at 2 cm underwater, a basking spot, and a drying station. The bottom should be covered with 5 to 10 cm of sand, and the feeding area should be free of sand to maintain clean water.
Fourth, stocking density plays a crucial role in survival and growth. Aim for about 100 hatchlings per square meter to avoid overcrowding.
Fifth, nutrition is vital. Initially, hatchlings rely on the yolk sac for energy. After hatching, feed them small amounts of cooked egg yolk starting on day 3. By day 5, introduce soft foods like fish, shrimp, snails, clams, and animal organs. Maintain a 2:1 ratio of animal to plant-based food. Feed twice daily—once in the morning (8-9 AM) and once in the evening (5-6 PM), ensuring all food is consumed within 2 hours.
Sixth, water quality is critical. Use clean, non-polluted water sources like rivers, lakes, or reservoirs. Keep the water slightly green with plankton, with a transparency of 25-30 cm and a pH of 7-8. Remove leftover food daily and change the water every two days. Clean and disinfect the tank during water changes. Maintain a water temperature between 25-30°C, and avoid large temperature fluctuations when changing water to prevent stress.
Seventh, create a calm and safe environment. Turtles prefer quiet, sunny areas. Ensure the surroundings are sheltered from wind, pollution, and noise.
Eighth, protect hatchlings from predators such as snakes, rats, birds, and cats. Secure the area to prevent any potential threats.
By following these steps, you can significantly improve the chances of your hatchlings growing into healthy, strong tortoises.