Your pet tortoise is likely vocal to some extent, producing squeaking, wheezing, and whistling sounds or, it may get very vocal and start to produce screaming sounds and this may concern you.
This article looks into why your tortoise may be screaming
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Why is my tortoise screaming?
Tortoises will make sounds depending on how they feel and depending on their situation, screaming included. Knowing why the animals make these sounds will help you understand the animal more.
Here is why your tortoise may start screaming:
It’s about to pull its head in:
One reason why your tortoise may be making a screaming noise would be to make room in its shell.
These animals regularly put their heads in their shells but they need an extra bit more room in the shell before they do this.
Your tortoise will release air out of its lungs as a way of making more room inside of its shell, this new empty space will accommodate the animal’s head and neck.
The animal will put its head into its neck when startled, this helps to protect itself against any predators in the area
What to do:
Don’t be alarmed if you see this, this is quite normal for these reptiles and is something that all tortoises do
As long as the animal isn’t showing signs of distress, isn’t changing its personality or behavior, and doesn’t seem to be in distress in any way then the tortoise is fine.
If however you do start to see these negative signs in your pet then it is recommended that you take your pet to the vet or better yet, you can take your pet to a herp vet.
Constipation:
Screaming can also come from a tortoise who is pooping or a tortoise that is constipated.
Constipation in tortoises can develop if they are dehydrated, because of intestinal parasites, bladder stones, ingestion of foreign objects, egg binding, abscesses, and an incorrect diet.
Dehydration is the common cause of constipation in your pet tortoise.
If your pet is actually constipated then you’ll notice other signs of constipation in the animal such as a lack of interest in food, distress, lethargy, and, the animal will be uncomfortable.
If your tortoise isn’t pooping as often as it normally does then the animal may simply be constipated.
What to do:
A variety of things can cure your pet’s constipation soaking your pet is one of them.
To soak your pet fill an escape-proof tub with warm water and put your pet in the water. The tortoise should be chin-deep in the water for this to be effective.
Make sure that your pet can move around in the tub and soak the animal for 20-30 minutes.
Not only will the water rehydrate the animal’s skin but your pet will also drink the water while soaking and this should help with the constipation.
Giving your pet an enema and laxatives will also help with its constipation. Pumpkin is a natural laxative that you can feed your pet
If these at-home remedies do not cure the condition then it is recommended that you take your pet to the vet for treatment.
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 Panting?, Hermann Tortoise Wheezing, Russian Tortoise Puffy Eyes, Tortoise Drooling, Why Does My Tortoise Walk Into Walls?