In this article we’re going to talk about – Do turtles snore?
You may have heard a noise coming from your turtle when they are sleeping
Is it possible they can snore
Or is breathing problems?
Let’s find out
Do Turtles Snore?
Turtles do snore. They usually only snore when they are sleeping. However, the sounds they make while they are snoring can often give you a false impression of them having breathing problems. Most times, the adult turtles snore when they are asleep. So, you don’t need to panic right away.
If your turtle has been coughing or sneezing, followed by mucus discharge and white films on the eyes, it could mean that your turtle has a respiratory illness. Call your veterinarian immediately.
Now you maybe wondering
Why do turtles snore?
Turtles breathe through their cheeks.
Like humans, they have soft tissue in their nasal passages.
While breathing, the air flows through these relaxed tissues causing them to vibrate and produce sounds.
This is why turtles snort.
Here’s an interesting fact
Snoring is usually associated with obesity in humans.
However, no scientific evidence has been presented regarding the link between obesity and snoring in turtles.
There is no evidence that suggests that obesity correlates with snoring in turtles.
Can Turtle Snoring Be Linked To An Illness?
If a turtle snores loudly, he could be suffering from respiratory infections or sleep apnea.
Snoring can often be caused by breathing through the mouth instead of the nose.
If a turtle has trouble sleeping, it could be due to stress, injury, or health issues.
Turtles should never be left alone during the night, but they do tend to rest better at night if there are no distractions.
Turtles sometimes whistle while they’re asleep.
Most often, these sounds are made when a turtle suffers from a respiratory infection.
However, occasionally, turtles might lean against the tank glass and even snore while producing noise.
Turtles don’t usually suffer from illnesses like humans do.
However, they can sometimes snore due to breathing problems caused by eating too much food.
Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter.
They can consume large quantities of vegetation, but should only eat foods rich in protein.
If your turtle has been consuming excessive amounts of vegetation, he/she could be experiencing digestive issues.
Sick turtles suffer from respiratory infections like:
- Mucus discharge
- Swollen eyelids
- Lack of movement
- Loss of appetite
- Producing noises like hissing, whistling, or sneezing
- Buoyancy problems (floating sideways)
My Turtle Is Whistling When Sleeping
Turtles whistle while they sleep because their lungs work harder when sleeping than during other times.
This whistling helps them breathe better.
Turtles can suffer from many health problems including respiratory infections.
Whistling is a common symptom of these illnesses.
Do Turtles Dream?
All animals sleep, but only mammals enter into Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep.
Turtles don’t enter REM sleep, but instead enter a state called “dreaming” during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Dreaming is similar to REM sleep, but differs in several ways.
For example, dreaming occurs only during NREM sleep, whereas REM sleep occurs both during NREM and REM sleep.
Also, unlike human dreams, turtle dreams aren’t usually remembered upon waking.
Raptor brains are very similar to reptile brains, so they aren’t much different than mammal brains.
How Do Turtles Sleep?
Turtles normally sleep during daylight hours.
They may rest for only minutes at a time or for many hours.
Turtles often sleep on land, floating on their backs on a dry dock or with their heads sticking out of the water.
However, aquatic turtles may spend hours asleep underwater, coming up to breathe when necessary.
What’s a Turtles Sleep Cycle Like?
Turtles are nocturnal animals. They sleep during the day and wake up at night.
They usually sleep for four to seven hours per night.
Turtles often rest with their eyes closed while basking.
They retain heat by stretching their necks and legs to get enough ultraviolet B rays.
Do Turtles Snore During Hibernation?
When turtles enter into hibernation they switch over to using their lungs instead of their mouth and throat.
They do this by opening their mouths wide and pushing air down their throats.
Turtles don’t breathe through their mouths.
They blow air into their nostrils instead.
So they don’t snore during hibernation.
Turtles breathe through their cloacal opening while they sleep.
They excrete waste through their cloacae when awake.
What does it mean when your turtle makes noises?
Turtles make sounds when they’re feeling stressed, angry, and aggressive.
They’ve been observed to make hissing noises to warn predators and bystanders when they feel threatened.
