General Care Discussion :: opening mouth, popping sound?

[aon]

well I've received a small res about 1 and half inch, it seems healthy and no it does not open its mouth to breathe often, i just see it opening its mouth and i would hear a popping sound, anybody know what it is? my other turtle did that too.

[Bascomb]

Usually when you hear a poping sound from a turtle it is gasping for breath. It may be the first signs of RI. I woud suggest upping the water temp to 80 and the basking temp to 90 to 91 degrees. You may need to work on the water cleanliness also.

[industrial_girl_2000]

It is not normal for turtles to breathe with their mouth open when they are above the water EVER. The only time you will see a turtle open their mouth above water is if they are yawning, but a turtle yawn will actually LOOK like a yawn (open/close mouth very quickly & may close their eyes briefly as they do it, no sound involved).

A herp vet can help determine if your little guy as RI. It's something that is very common with baby turtles who weren't cared for properly before you get them. Turtles can be sick for a long time without having any symptoms at all. Once they show symptoms, it is important to get them to a herp vet asap.

Keep in mind also that if your turtle has RI, they can not fight this disease on their own (antibiotics will be needed).

good luck & let us know how you make out.

[aon]

anymore info everyone?

[TheComputerGremlin]

What IndustrialGirl said pretty much says it all. You need to get your turtle to a vet ASAP or you may have a dead turtle on your hands soon.