Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a red-footed tortoise that I have had for almost exactly one year. He is about 9-10" scl and eats tons and tons of food every day, but he has always been a bit of a noisy breather. It is usually only when he is alert, like when I open up the enclosure, or when I give him food or basically whenever there is something to be excited about.

This morning I just put his food in and his breathing was louder than normal. It has kind of a whistle to it sometimes. I am wondering if I should take him to the vet and get him checked out for URI.

my redfoot has always been like that, too. i gather that it's normal for them to audibly sniff (mine sounds like a whistle) when they are intrigued by something.

does your tort show any signs of labored breathing, or is there any discharge from his/her nose? if that's the case, i'd call a vet asap.

Yeah, I have heard the same thing. There is no discharge and his breathing doesn't seem labored. If he doesn't know I am around he is quiet... it is just when I bring food or he needs to check me out.

I have had him for a year now and he has always done this, but maybe I will get him an appointment for a check-up anyways and see if anything is up.