The snapping turtle, originally native to North America, was introduced to China in 1996 and first successfully bred in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces. According to technicians from a well-known breeding farm in Yuanhua Town, Haining City, Zhejiang Province, which has been involved in experimental breeding for over five years, snapping turtles exhibit faster growth, higher meat yield, and greater egg production compared to local Chinese turtles. However, their breeding requires careful management, especially when it comes to egg collection and hatching. Here are the detailed methods used:
First, snapping turtle eggs are collected twice a year, in spring and autumn. When water temperatures rise above 22°C, mating begins, with the main spawning season occurring from early June to mid-August. During this time, breeders must closely monitor the nesting sites.
Snapping turtles prefer to lay eggs on sandy beaches during the day, unlike many native Chinese species that typically spawn at night. Most egg-laying occurs in the morning, and females often travel up to 200 square meters to find suitable spots. This makes egg collection challenging. To avoid disturbing the turtles, breeders should observe from a distance, using tools like telescopes if needed. Once an area is identified, a brick marked with the date in chalk is placed there to mark the site. Eggs can then be collected 24 hours later. Snapping turtle eggs are larger than those of native turtles, oval in shape, and white in color. After 24 hours, the embryos are clearly visible, with distinct animal and plant poles. Eggs are usually collected around 2-3 PM the next day.
Next, a wooden box measuring 50 cm long, 35 cm wide, and 10 cm high is prepared. A portable ring is attached, and small holes are drilled into the bottom. A 2 cm layer of fine sand is added, along with two thin bamboo sticks: one for digging and the other for picking up the eggs. Before collecting, all tools and boxes must be cleaned, and staff should wear clean shoes to avoid contamination.
When collecting, each egg is carefully removed using the bamboo stick, checking for signs of fertilization. Eggs with clear white spots and smooth shells are considered viable. Those without visible embryos or with deformities should be discarded. Collected eggs should be kept moist, covered with a wet towel, and not exposed to direct sunlight.
Finally, for hatching, the large eggs require a longer incubation period under natural conditions—about 60–80 days—with a hatching rate of roughly 85%. With artificial incubation, the process can be shortened to 42–48 days, increasing the success rate to 94–98%. A foam calcium plastic box is used, filled with three layers of sand: coarse, medium, and fine. Eggs are placed on top, with their white spots facing upward, spaced 3 cm apart. The sand is kept moist but not wet, and the temperature maintained between 28°C and 31°C, ideally 30°C. Humidity is checked daily, and water can be sprayed as needed. Electronic thermostats or alternative heat sources like geothermal, biogas, or solar energy can also be used to maintain stable conditions and improve efficiency.
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