LAC 7:XXI.1903. Requirements for Turtle Farms

A. Each facility which houses farm-raised turtles or turtle eggs for the purpose of buying, selling, or trading in commerce shall contain the following: turtle pond(s), turtle laying area, egg washing area, treatment areas, hatching area, holding or post-hatching area, and inventory storage. B. Each facility shall possess hot and cold water, hand washing facilities, cooling and ventilation capability, be free of rodents and pests, be properly disinfected, utilize stainless steel or non-porous tables, buckets and baskets, and have access to restroom facilities. C. The facility shall be free of debris, trash and offensive odors. D. Egg Washing and Treatment Areas of the Facility 1. All egg washing and treatment areas shall be lighted and ventilated. 2. All floors in the egg washing and treatment areas shall consist of concrete or non-porous covering with drainage sufficient to prevent the accumulation of water. 3. All surfaces in the egg washing and treatment areas which come in contact with turtles or turtle eggs shall be non-porous. E. Hatching, Holding, and Post-Hatching Area of the Facility 1. The hatching, holding, post-hatching area shall be a separate identifiable room in which the temperature can be maintained and controlled. 2. The hatching, holding, post-hatching area shall be large enough to accommodate all designated groups of turtles that have not been sold.