Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just got my res and he has been making a whining sound for two days. He only seems to make the sound when he's upset. I heard turtles don't have vocal cords, but, why does he sound like he's crying? He doesn't have a runny nose or anything. And he eats fine and loves basking and swimming. He seems fine otherwise. Can someone help me stop worrying? Thanks!

He is hissing at you. Mine does it all the time when I pick him up. He hates being picked up! He will hiss and put his head in his shell.

Thank you. I was so worried because I didn't know if it was normal. I never had a turtle. He sounds like a puppy whining. I thought it was cute but I wasn't sure if he might be sick. Thanks again.

Might consider a trip to the vet to see if he has a resperitory infection? Better sooner than later because by the time you notice obvious symptoms, sometimes it's already too late.
...Anne

I agree with the above post. A cautious trip to the vet is a smart idea. Especially with how you describe the sound. When my turtles make hissy sounds at me for pulling them out of the water, it sounds absolutely nothing like a whining puppy. Resp infections are often associated with hearing weezing, whining, and other "audible breathing" sounds that means fluid in the lungs and difficulty breathing. Might want to schedule that vet trip just to be safe.

He goes to the vet on Monday. I hope he will be okay til then. He has started to breathe hard and I notice he doesn't sleep in the water like he was. It's not continuous hard breathing, but, today he let me rub his head and arms and didn't pull back and he NEVER did that. I want to be safe and take him. Thanks so much for all of your advice. You've all been helpful.

I am very glad that you are taking him to the vet...with those other signs that you mentioned (hard breathing, reduced defenses, changes in time spent in water) that continues to very strongly point to a resperatory infection. In the meantime, bump your water and basking temps up a bit to aid in your turtle's recovery. Water: 78-80, Basking: high 80's to 90.

Hope all turns out well. Keep us posted

We just got back from the vet and she said he's very healthy. I feel much better. She said he was hissing at me and that sometimes they do sound like they're whining, but, it's normal. She said he looks like he's eating well too. She also said he is very active and spunky and everything is clear. She recommended some foods and a filter also. I'll see how it works. I was changing his water daily and I have a 20 gallon tank it was not an easy job. She said he doesn't need a great deal of water. I thought they need alot of water. My res is about 4 1/2 inches. How much water would you all recommend? I'm greatful to have somewhere to learn more about my res though. In case I can't figure something else out. Thanks again!

A 4.5 inch turtle needs 45 gallons of water...obviously you need a bigger tank.
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A mans got to do what a mans got to do. A woman has to do what he can't.

Mom to:

1 little boy born 7/19/04
2 male RES, born 2001
1 ribbon snake, age unknown
3 FBT, ages unknown
1 female bearded dragon, born 5/2002
1 male lab mix, born 5/24/03
1 female calico cat, born 6/7/04