Urgent Care :: RI?

[confrontinglife]

Hi, probably nothing but I was concerned about my turtles underwater habits. Is it normal for them to take "little gulps" while swimming around. I've read about turtles coughing and this doesn't look like coughing. They open their mouths just a little. It's more like silent "peeping" lol. Just curious.

Oh yea:

How big is your turtle?
They're both about 3 inches

How long have you had it?
4-5 months

What is the water temperature?
76-80

Are you using a water heater?
yes

How much water is in there?
55 gallon tank filled to the top

Are you using a water conditioner?
no

Are you using any filtration?
yes

What is the basking temperature?
about 86

Is there a basking light?
yes

Is there a basking platform that is easy to climb on?
yes

What kind is it or what is it made out of?
driftwood

Is there a UVB light?
yes

What have you been trying to feed it?
red lettuce, pellets, mealworms, other green leafs

When was the last time your turtle ate?
they'd eat all day if i let them

How big is the tank/pond/enclosure?
55gal

Is the tank near a window?
not really

Is the tank in a room with a lot of activity?
yes

Have you read the Basic Care section?
yes

Have you searched the forums for similar situations?
yes

Is there any other unusual activity/symptoms?
The "gulping"

[grey goose]

Sounds normal to me....Sometimes my guys, when basking, will go down the basking ramp and stick their head in the water and take a few gulps. I've also seen them yawn underwater.

[d0eb0y]

yea my res does the same thing, sticks his head in and takes a sip or 2. Also yawns. Doesnt sound like nothing to worry about to me either altho i am not a pro or nothing.

[industrial_girl_2000]

They open their mouths underwater for a couple of reasons:

1.) to take a drink
2.) to yawn.

The concern is when they are opening their mouths & "breathing loudly" when they are *above* the water.

[CountryGirl68]

Try to get the water temp to a steady temp (like 78 degrees) and the basking temp to 86 degrees. The gulping underwater is normal.

[cam722]

You might want the basking temp a bit higher than 86.. try a bit warmer.. like 90 ..

[marisa]

They can be doing the "silent peeping" for the reasons mentioned above, but they can also do it to help them smell something. Do you notice them doing it when food is around or when they're foraging?

I agree with Carol about the basking area temp--a few degrees higher is better (88-90F).