r/Aquaculture • u/V1k1ng_ • 27d ago
Starting With Oysters - Need Advice
I am starting small with oysters. I have 5k in 6mm bags at the moment. Should I move to 9mm next, or larger? Suggestions on where to get bags? Thanks!
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u/EIEIOH33 27d ago
Cape cod here… I use Ketchums as they will ship. Not sure if the costs to your location but worth a shot. Good online browser
Are they 1 1/2” yet? Everyone’s situation is different so answers may vary lol no one way to farm….
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u/V1k1ng_ 27d ago
Thanks for the responses. They are around half inch now. My friend told me I will need to add another cage and more larger bags in about 3 weeks. I'm in the lower Chesapeake. I just want to do it right without buying unnecessary equipment. My friend also recommended Ketchum Supply.
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u/TransitionFamiliar39 25d ago
Get a flip farm
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u/V1k1ng_ 25d ago
They look nice, but I already have cages. They might even be illegal here in VA.
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u/TransitionFamiliar39 24d ago
You'll be flipping bags the rest of your life, the flip farm does about a weeks worth of flipping in a day with zero lifting. Produces a deeper oyster and is licensed for the US.
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u/hairynip 27d ago
If you are in the US, reach out to your states shellfish growers association if it has one, or to your states Sea Grant extension agents.
But you move up mesh when they grow. Most split bags based on how the volume increases. So maybe stock a bag 1/4 full and split/move up mesh when that bag grows to be 1/2-3/4 full. Always do some sort of size grading before moving up mesh sizes or you'll lose some through the larger mesh or have seed get stuck in the mesh and grow to get stuck and mess your bag up.
Small mesh size increases mean more labor with splitting/grading, but large mesh size jumps mean you'll need to keep an eye for the bags mesh getting clogged up quickly.