If you own and are raising a sulcata tortoise then you’re raising and owning one of the more popular types of reptiles. These pets are less common than pets like cats or dogs but they will still develop issues just as dogs and cats do
One issue that you may notice in these reptiles is that your sulcata tortoise squeaks while sleeping. This article looks into why this happens.
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Sulcata tortoise squeaking while sleeping:
Tortoises are quite quiet animals, these animals usually only make noises when they are disturbed or startled, so, if your pet starts making noises while sleeping you may start to worry.
This article looks into why your sulcata tortoise squeaks while sleeping:
Blocked nose:
One of the more common and simplest reasons why your pet turtle may be squeaking while sleeping may be that the animal has debris or another obstruction in its nose.
The reptile may have inhaled something while sleeping or may have inhaled something while awake, couldn’t get it out, and fell asleep with the object still in its nose.
The squeaking sound that you hear while the animal is sleeping is likely the air passing by the debris, or object, as the animal inhales.
What to do:
This is normal and isn’t something to worry too much about, the animal will likely expel the debris or object when it wakes up.
If the animal can’t get the object out itself then you can soak your pet in water. If your pet dips its head into the water while soaking then the object or debris will come out.
If the animal can’t get the object out in about 24-48 hours then you may need to take your pet to the vet for further assistance.
Respiratory infection:
Another reason why your pet tortoise may be squeaking while sleeping may be because the animal is suffering from a respiratory infection.
This type of infection usually causes tortoises to have difficulty breathing when awake but it can also cause the animal to develop breathing issues when asleep, this will show up as squeaking while sleeping.
The reason why these animals squeak when sleeping is that the animal’s body produces more mucus when suffering from a respiratory infection.
The mucus in the animal’s airways, and thus the strain that is put on the reptile’s respiratory system, causes the animal to squeak.
What to do:
This condition can make your pet go downhill very quickly so it is important that the pet is treated as soon as possible and with the correct medications.
The treatment would depend on the reason for the infection. If the infection is bacterial then the vet will prescribe antibiotics.
If the infection is viral then there is no specific treatment that your vet can give your pet.
If you can’t get your pet to the vet immediately then isolate it to keep it from infecting other tortoises. You can also increase the humidity in your pet’s enclosure to help loosen the mucus blocking the airways.
Raising the temperature in the environment of the enclosure will also raise the animal’s body temperature which will help to fight the infection.
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other turtle/tortoise related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Why Is My Tortoise Making Chirping Noises?, Why Is My Tortoise Squeaking And Not Eating?, Sulcata Tortoise Squeaking, Can Pyramiding On A Tortoise Be Reversed?, Why Is My Turtles Shell Bending Up?, Why Is The Bottom Of My Turtle’s Shell Pink?, My Red-Eared Slider Keeps Opening His Mouth