Crocodile Turtle Farming: Key Techniques & Tips

Crocodile Turtle Farming Techniques

1. Pond Construction and Separate Rearing

Optimizing the breeding environment is key. Utilize a turtle pond for crocodile turtles, ideally with an area of 1520 square meters and a depth of about 1.5 meters. The water level should be maintained at 0.81.0 meters. Each square meter can accommodate one male turtle and two female turtles, with the specific number depending on the size of the crocodile turtles. It's crucial to avoid mixing turtles of different sizes to prevent larger ones from bullying smaller ones, which can hinder the growth and health of the smaller turtles.

2. Scientific Feeding Practices

During the early spring and late autumn, feeding should be done once a day at noon. In late spring and early autumn, when crocodile turtles are most active in feeding, feed them twice daily, with 40% of the food provided at 9 am and the remaining 60% in the evening. Establish a fixed feeding point and encourage the turtles to develop a habit of eating at the same time and place each day. This ensures that the food is consumed quickly after being placed, reducing the risk of spoilage. Additionally, when feeding larger pieces of food, it's best to chop them into smaller pieces before offering them to the turtles.

3. Regular Water Changes and Disinfection

For larger ponds, water changes can be done every 20 days, while smaller ponds may require changes every 23 days or once a week. Aim to keep water clarity between 1020 cm. During winter, adjust the frequency of water changes based on the situation, and regularly use 10ppm chlorine bleach to disinfect the pond to prevent diseases. For tank or bowl breeding, it's even more important to ensure timely water changes.

4. Ensuring Appropriate Temperature in the Breeding Environment

The suitability of the breeding environment's temperature significantly impacts the health of crocodile turtles. Apart from the hibernation period, to ensure yearround growth, maintain the pond water temperature above 25°C during winter when the outdoor temperature drops below 18°C. In summer, keep the water depth around 30 cm and provide at least 20% shade for the pond. Planting water lilies in the pond and trees or vines around it can offer additional shade. If necessary, introduce new water to cool the pond, ensuring the water temperature does not exceed 45°C. Alternatively, consider moving the crocodile turtles indoors for breeding, as indoor breeding is often preferred for breeding purposes.

6. Effective Disease Prevention and Treatment

Strictly adhering to regular disinfection of the turtles and the pond can significantly reduce the likelihood of disease. In case of any illness, it's essential to treat the affected turtles promptly with appropriate medication. Here are some common diseases and their corresponding treatments for crocodile turtles: for external wounds and colds, use amoxicillin mixed with feed; for gastrointestinal infections, administer fluoroquinolones or antibiotics; for indigestion, feed the turtles with a solution of multienzyme tablets or yeast tablets; and for water mold disease, use a 100ppm malachite green solution or soak the affected turtles in saltwater for 15 minutes for disinfection before drying them off for treatment.

These are some key points on crocodile turtle farming techniques summarized by Oxygen Pet Doctor, hoping to assist you in better caring for your crocodile turtles.