In order to ensure the successful overwintering of soft-shelled turtles, it's essential to carefully select and manage their wintering environment. First, choose a suitable winter pond located in villages or towns that are free from pollution caused by agriculture or mining activities. The pond should have a reliable drainage system, with a water depth of at least 2 meters and a silt layer around 30 centimeters thick. An ideal size is 2 to 3 acres, ideally positioned on the leeward side where it receives ample sunlight. If possible, divide the pond into different sections for turtles of various ages (juveniles, adults, etc.) to promote better management. Before placing them in the pond, it’s recommended to disinfect the turtles by immersing them in a 4% saline solution for 10 minutes. For those without such facilities, turtles can overwinter in their original pond.
Next, it's important to maintain clean and safe water conditions. Prior to winter, treat the water using approved fishery-grade disinfectants. After allowing 7–10 days for the chemicals to lose their potency, the turtles can be safely placed in the pond. During the warmer months, when the turtles become active, it’s advisable to disinfect the water every three days after they wake up, and once a month thereafter. Avoid using chlorine-based agents or quicklime, as these can be harmful to soft-shelled turtles. Instead, use mild surfactants or iodine-based solutions that are less irritating.
To keep the water quality stable, maintain a transparency of 30 cm, a pH between 7.5 and 8.5, total ammonia nitrogen below 1.5 mg/L, hydrogen sulfide under 0.06 mg/L, and dissolved oxygen above 4 mg/L. Introduce aquatic plants like water hyacinth, water lilies, and narcissus on the surface of the pond using bamboo nets measuring 60–70 square meters per mu. These plants absorb excess nutrients and release oxygen through photosynthesis, helping to purify the water by breaking down harmful substances such as oils, aniline, phenols, and organic matter. Water hyacinths also accumulate heavy metals like silver, aluminum, cadmium, phosphorus, and iron, making them effective natural filters. Their stems and leaves can even be used as feed for livestock such as pigs, ducks, and chickens, promoting a sustainable ecological cycle.
Additionally, introduce 60 carp per mu and 20–30 tilapia in a polyculture system. Carp help control algae, while catfish feed on zooplankton, maintaining a balanced ecosystem. When the water temperature consistently exceeds 20°C, gradually add 30 cm of fresh water to flush out toxins, increase oxygen levels, and keep the water clean and healthy.
During the wintering period, it’s also important to treat the pond sediment to reduce harmful substances. This can be done by adding zeolite powder or base medicine to the bottom. Another key step is introducing beneficial bacteria such as photosynthetic bacteria, sulfur bacteria, and nitrifying bacteria. These microorganisms help increase dissolved oxygen, break down harmful compounds, and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria.
When the water temperature rises above 20°C, the turtles may awaken temporarily. At this time, provide food to replenish their energy. However, soft-shelled turtles often refuse to eat when fed on the surface. Therefore, underwater feeding is recommended. Use fresh fish, thread a wire through the head, and hang it in the water for 2–3 hours before removing it to prevent water contamination. Feed daily during this period. Once the temperature drops below 20°C again, the turtles will enter hibernation and no longer require feeding.
After the hibernation period, the turtles can be moved back to regular culture and care routines for the spring season.
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