The soft-shelled turtle is an omnivorous species, and it can eat a wide variety of foods. Common foods such as earthworms, tadpoles, red worms, small fish, and small shrimp are some of its favorites. These foods are nutritionally rich, which helps to accelerate its growth and development. Additionally, it can also eat aquatic plants like algae, water grasses, moss, vegetables, fruits, wheat bran, and soybean residue. Furthermore, the soft-shelled turtle can consume some synthetic feed. When farming soft-shelled turtles, the water temperature should be maintained between 25-30°C, and the water should be changed every 2-3 days.
1. What do soft-shelled turtles eat?
Soft-shelled turtles are not picky eaters and can consume a variety of foods. However, their favorite food is animal-based feed, such as red worms, earthworms, small fish, and small shrimp, which are all suitable for feeding soft-shelled turtles. These foods have high nutritional value, which greatly benefits their physical condition and growth. In addition to animal-based feed, plant-based feed can also be given, including aquatic plants, water grasses, algae, vegetables, and fruits. Of course, if the farmer is short on time, synthetic feed can be chosen, combined with some animal-based feed, to ensure their nutritional balance.
2. How to raise soft-shelled turtles
- Water temperature: Soft-shelled turtles are not very picky about water temperature and can grow in water temperatures ranging from 0°C to 32°C. However, the ideal temperature for their growth is between 25-30°C. When the water temperature drops below 15°C, they stop eating, and when the temperature falls below 10°C, they enter hibernation.
- Water quality: Soft-shelled turtles have higher requirements for water quality. They prefer to move around in clean and fresh water, with a pH level ideally maintained between 7.5 and 8.0. They are sensitive to water pollution, so water should be changed every 3-4 days during farming.
- Feeding: The feeding frequency of soft-shelled turtles varies at different stages of life. Young turtles can be fed once a day, while adult turtles can be fed once every 2-3 days. Additionally, once the turtles enter hibernation, no food is required.
