General Care Discussion :: turle making noises when surfacing?

[megggan]

A couple of days ago I was sitting in the living room watching tv, and I heard a sound coming from my RES turtles tank. At first I didn't think anything of it, as I didn't think that turtles could make sounds. Then a few hours later, I heard the same sound, and realized it was actually one of the turtles. As he was swimming about the top of the water with his head poked out, he was making an almost quacking sound.

That was a few days ago, and it seems that he's making this sound more and more frequently. Is this normal, or should I be concerned?

[Cramer]

crackling or wheezing can be good indication of congestion or respiratory infections, but not always.
One of my turtles wheezes when it finally comes up for air after streneous activity, like chasing fish. She always has.

How long have you had it? Is that at all normal for it?

[megcornell]

One of my turtles, Leo, will sometimes release whatever air is left in her when she surfaces and it makes an unusual sound. I don't think its related to any illness but if you see your turtle gasping or wheezing when he's out of the water then I'd be concerned.

[megggan]

I have 5 of them. 4 of the 5 are about 5 months old, and the 5th is 10 months old. I THINK it's only the one that makes the sound, but it's deffinetly not normal for it. I've never heard them make any sounds before.

I have their heat set at 76-78. I've heard that sometimes if the heat is too high it can cause them to do something like this? Not sure if that's true.

[megggan]

Actually, I'm watching him now, and he seems to be making bubbles in the water..?

[grey goose]

Like Cramer said, it may be nothing, but watch him closely. Lethargy, loss of appetite, swollen eyes or constant basking are also signs of trouble. If any of these signs appear, take him to the Vet.

[marisa]

My turtles sometimes make distinct bubbles when they're under water---is that what your turtle is doing?

The temp you say the heater is set to (76-78F) isn't overly warm; if your turtles are hatchlings (less than a year old) and healthy, around 78F is a good temp. For an ill turtle, bumping it up to 80-82F boosts the immune system and helps the turtle fight the infection. I've never heard of warm water causing a turtle to make noise...

[industrial_girl_2000]

My turtle sometimes stays underwater for long periods of time, then when she surfaces, I hear her exhale out her nose (it's almost like a wheeze noise as she blows the water out of her nose).

You will know that something isn't right if the turtle opens its' mouth to breath when he/she is out of water.

Also, turtles can yawn, but then it actually LOOKS like a yawn (open mouth real wide, then close it quickly, just like a person!). Yawning is normal.

[YSPo]

My turtle does that too! only when it is surfacing I think. How do you tell when a turtle exhaling?