General Care Discussion :: Herman: panting?

[kikicool]

Good morning, all. So, lately Herman has been "panting" I think. I can't tell if this was something he always did, and I only notice now because of the silent filter (I can hear him now, couldn't before?) Or, if this is something new.

He swims around for a while, then sticks his head out of water and makes a noise that sounds like panting. His mouth is closed, it is through his nose. Whenever I look over to see what he's doing, he's staring right me making this noise. It's just a loud breathing noise, really, more than a pant. Then he goes back to swimming.

Could he be sick? He has a great appetite, and is active, and basking but not overly basking. The only reason I would think he could be sick is this noise he makes.

Or, could this just be an exertion thing? Thoughts?

[marisa]

There is no mucus coming from the nose at all? And he does this as his head comes out of the water? Since you said he's healthy otherwise, I'd just be aware of it and keep an eye out for other symptoms just in case. Sometimes turtles will make a sound as they come up out of the water.

[steve]

My female RES makes a heavy breathing/whistling noise when she surfaces... I think its due to the fact that she's a bit on the hefty side.

[kikicool]

Hmmm... no mucous, no swollen eyes, nothing else. He does this just as he emerges from teh water, and not all the time. He isn't really hefty though... OR IS HE?! I'll keep an eye on him for now. It is sort of a whistly sound...

[Bumby's Mom]

Are you sure he isn't hissing? Nyx will sometimes stare at me and hiss to get my attention or if she is mad she will hiss.

[BullDog]

As Marisa said, if he's otherwise healthy, it's not a problem. Frankie does that sometimes, but she's on the pudgy side. Ralph does that when he comes up for a breath after some serious begging (must be good cardio!)

[kikicool]

bulldog and Bumby's mom: you're so right. Just noticed it is usually after I put food in, when he is either eating or has just finished. So it's the workout from begging and going after food. (I have noticed they enjoy those julianne sliced carrots. Although big. I put it in the water and they take it from my hand and swim away, like a dog with a bone. Cute!) Anyhoo, poor turts have crazy for a mama. They're just fine. Thanks!