A baby turtle pool is constructed using a rectangular concrete structure, measuring 6 meters in length, 3 meters in width, and oriented north-south. The walls of the pool range from 0.4 to 1.0 meters in height, with the top edge sloping inward for safety. The corners are rounded to prevent injury, and the bottom has a gentle slope of 100:10, allowing for proper water drainage. The deepest part of the pool in the southern area reaches 40 to 50 centimeters. Drain holes are installed at the base to maintain clean water conditions. A land area of 3 to 6 square meters is reserved in the northern section, where shallow water is maintained near the feeding station. Water is pumped into the pool using a 1.5 horsepower submersible pump, drawing water from an adjacent pond. Shade nets and water hyacinths are installed in the pool to provide shelter and regulate temperature. On average, 10 to 12 young turtles are stocked per square meter.
Daily management during summer and autumn follows a structured routine. Feeding is done according to the "four principles" — quality, quantity, timing, and location. In hot summer months, two feedings occur daily at 7:00–7:30 AM and 6:00–6:30 PM. As temperatures drop in fall, feeding frequency is reduced to once a day around 5:30–6:00 PM. The feeding station is placed 100 to 200 cm away from the shore and just 1 to 2 cm above the water surface. Snapping turtles prefer consistent food types, so any changes should be gradual. The diet consists of minced tilapia meat mixed with commercial turtle feed, formed into small cakes weighing about 25 grams. Feeding amounts vary based on water clarity, weather, and turtle behavior. Typically, each turtle consumes 3.5 to 10 grams of food per day, and feeding stops during heavy rain or strong winds, lasting no more than 1–2 hours. Feeding schedules are monitored every 10 days.
Water quality is managed by maintaining fresh, plankton-rich water. Water hyacinths are used to provide shade and hiding spots for hatchlings. During summer and autumn, large amounts of waste are produced, so water is changed every afternoon to keep the environment clean.
Disease prevention involves regular addition of antibiotics, vitamins, and minerals to the feed. Common diseases include "perforation" and "red neck disease." Perforation typically occurs in early June in Hainan, peaking between late July and October. Symptoms include floating, irritability, loss of appetite, and white spots on the shell. Treatment includes oxytetracycline supplements and topical application of gentian violet or erythromycin ointment. Red neck disease appears in spring, summer, and autumn, causing redness on the neck and head, as well as oral bleeding. Mild cases are treated with antibiotics in the feed, while severe cases require isolation and treatment with erythromycin solution.
During winter, snapping turtles begin hibernation when the water temperature drops below 15°C. In Hainan, the hibernation period usually starts in late December and ends around mid-February. Before hibernation, the pool is filled with 30 cm of clean, disinfected river sand, and the water level is lowered. Straw curtains are used to cover the pool during colder nights. Intensive feeding before winter helps turtles build up energy reserves. High-protein and high-fat feeds are provided, along with antibiotics to boost immunity. Water is changed frequently during winter, ensuring a stable temperature difference of no more than 2°C. To prevent predators like rats and birds, mesh nets are placed over the pool to protect the turtles.
Growth rates of young snapping turtles depend on temperature and feeding efficiency. At 29–32°C, the feed conversion rate is 5, and turtles gain about 2.3 grams daily. At lower temperatures (22–23°C), growth slows significantly, with only 0.21 grams gained per day. Proper feeding is crucial for healthy development and overall survival of the turtles.
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