Well.....the server I was using for my photos has closed (photoisland). I need to find a new server to post my pictures.........any suggestions?
The pond harvest went well. I have been keeping an eye on the water temperature and was able to harvest into the second week in October again this year. I did not seine, just used my crawdad traps. Of the 800 stocked, I harvested around 650. I have enjoyed them on the grill and in my favorite dishes and have been able to freeze a large number of them. Of course I shared with family and friends too.
The tank shrimp did not grow nearly as fast as the ones in the pond. This was due to overcrowding. I had them crowded into small tanks at the beginning of the summer, stunting their growth. (lesson learned)
Also, my main tank raising problem has been cannibalism. The larger more aggressive ones get the most food and kill the smaller ones when given the chance.
The use of netting for a substrate has reduced this problem and I've moved the larger ones to different tanks. I've also placed PVC elbows and artificial plants in the bottom of the tanks to give the smaller ones more shelter.
These tank shrimp are going to be for my breeding experiment this winter. I'm still feeding the tank shrimp sinking catfish feed.
Tango, you should have the right climate for the "grow out" phase. Anyone that can keep their water temperature between 65 and 95 degrees for 4 to 5 months (the longer the better) should be able to grow them out.
The main problem would be to have a pond that is free of fish, turtles and in your area... bigger critters.
I am also still receiving a lot of mail about my shrimp article in "Countryside" magazine. I still think it would be a money maker for someone with the right set up. Right now, I'm enjoying being able to have fresh shrimp here Oklahoma. You know...........kind of like growing your own pork, beef and veggies, it's just another area of being a homesteader. :haha: :haha:
