|
When they are startled, many turts and torts will quickly withdraw their head into their shell. If they do this quickly, the air dispelled (because it's being displaced by turtle head and neck) makes a hissing sound. Some can continue to expel air forcefully to make a hiss as a threat or a warning, but most can do it when they're startled.
You an use this to your advantage to check one aspect of their health. It should should sound like a good dry hiss. If there is any "wetness" to the sound, gurgling, or bubbling from the nose, ...you might have a turtle or tortoise with respiratory issues. This is a particular concern for tortoise keepers.
So if you get a nice hiss, it's not necessarily a bad thing....
Bob
__________________
"Cogito Ergo Zoom"
I think, therefore I drive fast.
|