Snoring is a common problem among humans, and it turns out that turtles do it too! Snoring is actually very common among turtles of all age groups, including sea turtles. The good news is that turtle snoring is usually nothing to worry about. However, in some cases, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what causes turtle snoring and when you should be concerned.
Related Article: Do Turtles Sleep A Lot?
Do turtles snore?
Yes, turtles do snore like humans! Snoring is common among turtles of all age groups, and species. Turtles snore because they breathe through their cheeks, which creates a vibration that we hear as snoring. It is often seen that adult turtles snore more than a baby or juvenile turtles. And, just like us, they can snore quite loudly too!
While snoring is normal in turtles, sometimes it could be because of some underlying health issue. If your turtle is snoring more than usual, or if the snoring sounds particularly loud, it’s best to take them to a vet. It could be a symptom of a respiratory infection or something else entirely.
Do Sea turtles snore?
Yes, they do! Sea turtles are no different in snoring than other turtles. However, you may not have heard it because they live underwater and their snores are drowned out by the water.
But if you put your ear to their shell, you can sometimes hear a faint snoring sound. This is because they breathe through their cheeks and the vibration creates a snoring noise.
So, next time you see a sea turtle sleeping, put your ear to its shell and see if you can hear it snore! It’s a fun way to bond with these amazing creatures!
Why do turtles snore?
There are four main reasons why your turtle may snore. The most common obvious reason is that they are sleeping so it is natural, the second reason could be an underlying health issue, the third is when the turtle is in its adulthood and the fourth is when there is some blockage in the turtle’s respiratory tract. Let’s understand each in more detail.
Turtle snores are natural
The main reason turtles snore is because they breathe through their cheeks. This causes the air to vibrate as it goes in and out, which creates a snoring sound. Turtles have soft tissues in their throats that can also vibrate and create a snoring noise. Snoring is most common among turtles of all age groups and is nothing to be worried about.
Turtle snores are due to an underlying health issue
Turtle snores could indicate an underlying health issue. If your turtle suddenly starts snoring when they have never done so before, it could be an indication of an underlying health issue. Respiratory infections are common among turtles and can cause them to snore. If your turtle is snoring and has other symptoms such as wheezing, open-mouth breathing, lethargy, or a decrease in appetite, then it is best to take them to the vet. In severe respiratory illness, you may spot mucus around the turtle’s nose and mouth when they snore. In such a situation, it is advisable to seek medical help from a veterinarian. Adult turtle snores are much louder and more audible
Adult turtle’s snores are much loud and clear than the snores of a baby turtle. The sound is usually caused by the vibration of the soft palate and other tissues in the throat. Adult turtles may also snore when they are sleeping on their backs. This position allows gravity to pull on the soft tissues in the throat and produce the characteristic noise.
Blockage in the respiratory tract
Turtle snoring can also be caused due to blockage in the respiratory tract. If there is some foreign particle or mucus build-up, it can lead to turtle snoring. In such a case, it is advisable to take your turtle to the vet for a check-up. The vet will be able to clear the blockage and help your turtle breathe easily again.
Sounds that turtles produce when snoring
Turtles produce honking and grunting sounds when snoring. It is quite loud and can be heard from a distance too. Some people even say that it sounds like a car horn!
The sound is produced when the air passes through the narrow respiratory passages in the turtle’s body. This causes the tissues to vibrate, which results in the characteristic sound of snoring.
Turtles usually snore when they are asleep or resting. However, sometimes they may also snore when they are awake and active. This is usually seen in turtles that have some sort of respiratory infection or other health problem.
Is obesity linked with turtle snoring?
Obesity triggers snoring in humans but it is not the same case with turtles. There is no substantial evidence that supports a relation between turtle being overweight and snoring. However, if a turtle is suffering from some respiratory infection or other health issues, it might start snoring.
Do turtles snore during hibernation?
Turtles opt for a different technique for breathing when in hibernation. They allow their metabolism to slow down and enter a state of torpor. This means that they do not need to breathe as often. In hibernation, turtles do not inflate their lungs by breathing through their cheeks. As a result, turtles do not snore during hibernation.
Normally turtles breathe from the cheek causing tissues to vibrate creating a snoring sound. This process is known as buccal pumping. But when turtles are in hibernation, their shell is closed and so they can not buccal pump. To their rescue, they have another method of respiration in which they use their cloacal cavity for gas exchange. Cloacal respiration is an efficient way of exchanging gases between the turtle and its environment. In this state, as turtles are not using their cheeks for respiration, they do not snore.
Do turtles snore when tired?
The answer is no. Turtles don’t get tired in the same way that people do. They can sleep for long periods of time without feeling the need to take a break. So, if you’re wondering whether or not turtles snore because they’re tired, the answer is no.
Conclusion
Turtles do indeed snore, just like humans. This is due to the fact that they breathe through their cheeks, which causes the vibration that we know as snoring. However, if your turtle is snoring more than usual, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue and you should take them to the vet to get checked out.
