If you have a turtle pet, you are probably familiar with some of its odd habits and quirks. As explained in today’s post. The chirping of a turtle is most commonly heard when they are basking in the sun, but they can also chirp underwater.
Even though this article focuses primarily on red-eared sliders, most of the information applies to any pet turtle. Find out what’s causing this behavior by reading on.
ALSO SEE: Best Tortoise Names [Turtles too]
Why do Turtles Chirp? Especially RedEared Sliders?
Boredom, hunger, anxiety, and respiratory sickness are the most common causes of chirping in red-eared sliders.
Find out what’s causing your red-eared slider to chirp by reading through the next sections.
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Boredom
Keep in mind that a pet turtle’s entire life is spent in a small enclosure. With enough room to swim around, it might get tedious for them. This is especially important for turtles that are the sole inhabitants of their tank.
As a result, a turtle’s desire to attract attention alleviates boredom. Many of them will start to chirp because of this. The high pitch of a chirp allows it to travel a considerable distance. Your turtle makes this noise, which they are well aware of to gain your attention.
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Hunger
A turtle will also chirp if hungry, much like a bird. This is much more problematic, especially if they start chirping every time you enter the room. You’ll see them do this because they equate your presence with mealtime.
Keep in mind that you should only feed your turtle twice a day, no matter how tempting it may seem! For this reason, even when they are completely satisfied, turtles may beg for food if the opportunity arises.
Even though your turtles are chirping, you should avoid overfeeding them because obesity is a significant cause of pet turtle mortality.
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Stress
Unfortunately, turtles in captivity frequently experience stress. A tiny tank, sickness, or a bad smell in your turtle tank can all contribute to this problem. Keep a watch out for additional signs of stress in turtles, such as a lack of eating and irregular behavior.
Make sure the water in your turtle’s tank is clean at all times to help them relax.
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An Ailment of the Respiratory System
A respiratory condition might be to blame for the chirping of your red-eared slider. This is the most significant explanation, yet it is not as prevalent as the others. It is one of the most prevalent causes of death in domestic turtles.
The best way to tell whether your turtle has a respiratory ailment is to watch for other signs.
Respiratory illnesses can cause turtles to struggle to breathe. This can lead to wheezing and, in some situations, even a cough in those who are vulnerable.
A turtle’s mouth or nose may be covered in mucus or another white substance if it suffers from respiratory disease. If you see discharge on the face of your turtle, you should remove it with a wet cloth right away.
Lethargy and a decrease in appetite are two of the most troubling signs of respiratory disease. A vet is necessary if you observe that your turtle’s mobility diminishes.
Your doctor will almost certainly prescribe antibiotics to alleviate your respiratory disease.
Conclusion
There is no need to be alarmed if you hear chirping in your red-eared sliders. There is only one exception to this rule: if you observe that your turtle shows signs of stress or respiratory sickness.