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Turtle Habits and Breeding
Turtles are semi-aquatic reptiles, commonly found in rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs, and other freshwater environments. They spend most of their time in the water during the day, especially when the weather is warm, seeking shaded areas in groups. These creatures have a calm and non-aggressive nature; they do not bite each other. When threatened or frightened, they instinctively retract their head, limbs, and tail into their shell for protection.
As omnivores, turtles consume a wide range of food, including small fish, insects, worms, snails, aquatic plants, duckweed, and grains like wheat and rice. They are highly resilient to hunger and can survive for months without eating without suffering from starvation.
Being ectothermic, turtles rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When water temperatures drop below 10°C, they hibernate at the bottom of muddy or loose soil. Hibernation typically lasts from January to early April. Once the water warms up to around 15°C, they become active again, and feeding begins when the temperature reaches 18–20°C.
In terms of lifespan, turtles are known for their longevity. While there is no definitive answer, it is generally believed that they can live over 100 years. Some studies suggest that certain species may even reach 300 years, and there are historical accounts of turtles living over a thousand years.
Growth in turtles is relatively slow. Female turtles grow at a steady pace: first-year hatchlings weigh over 15 grams, second-year about 50 grams, third-year 100 grams, fourth-year 200 grams, and by the fifth year, they reach 250 grams. By the sixth year, they can weigh around 400 grams. Males, on the other hand, grow more slowly and rarely exceed 250 grams even at sexual maturity.
When it comes to identifying males and females, several physical differences exist. Males tend to be smaller with longer, thinner shells, dark-colored shells, and a noticeable tail. They also emit a distinct odor. Females are larger and more robust, with shorter tails and a brownish shell color, without any strong smell.
Sexual maturity occurs at different ages depending on the environment. Under natural conditions, turtles begin to mature at around five years old, with full maturity achieved by the seventh year. In terms of weight, males typically mature at around 150 grams, while females start maturing at 250 grams.
Mating usually takes place between April and May. During this time, male turtles actively pursue females, sometimes with multiple males following a single female. The process involves the male grabbing the female's shell with his front legs and positioning himself for mating. If in water, both turtles roll over to complete the act.
Spawning habits vary by region. In tropical areas, turtles can spawn throughout the year, but in the Yangtze River basin, the main spawning season runs from late August to July, with peak activity between May and July. A female can lay eggs 3–4 times per year, with intervals of 10–30 days between each batch. Each clutch contains 5–10 eggs, though numbers can range from 1 to 16. Ideal water temperatures for spawning are between 27°C and 31°C, and if it exceeds 35°C, spawning stops.
The spawning process consists of four stages: selecting a suitable site, digging the nest, laying the eggs, and covering the hole. The selected site should have loose soil with low moisture content (5%–20%). The nest is dug to a depth of 8–9 cm and a width of 3–4 cm. Eggs are laid one at a time, spaced 2–5 minutes apart, taking about 30 minutes per batch. Afterward, the turtle covers the hole with soil, pressing it down with her hind legs until the nest is fully concealed.
Fertilized eggs develop over approximately 30 hours, showing a white spot on the shell. After 30 days, the egg turns pale purple, and by 70 days, the shell becomes black. The entire hatching process takes about 80–90 days, after which the baby turtles emerge from the nest.