Why do tortoises open their mouths? Please help me!!!?

Question

I have a tortoise and it' s big because it eats a lot, but it also makes the water so dirty often. One day, I saw it open its mouth so widely, is it because it is sleepy, or is that because the water is so dirty that it cannot breath properly? Please help!
I had another tortoise years ago, and it died with its mouth opened and folded down like a triangle, it' s so scary, and before its mouth was opened, it opened its mouth just as mine do now. Please help me. I am so scared that it might die as well.

Answer 1

I have kept turtles for years, and I also have a large tortoise. It's very important to change the water and keep it clean. Change it every single day if it gets dirty every day. Mine opens its mouth pretty big in the water when it drinks, it might just be doing that. It also could be doing that because of a respiratory problem, if it is having trouble breathing through its nose. You can check the nostrils visually for blockage, and you should be able to hear the tortoise breathe through its nostrils if they aren't blocked. If the tortoise is having trouble breathing through its nostrils, take it to the vet ASAP.

Answer 2

"Symptoms of Upper respiratory tract disease include a persistent nasal discharge, conjunctivitis (inflamed or puffy eyes), and in some cases, an inflamed and reddened mouth. Symptoms of LRTD are open mouth breathing as the animal struggles to breathe, a foamy or thick mucus discharge from mouth, gurgling noises and other signs of respiratory distress, including the head being held at an unusual angle or increased movement of the front limbs. Either hyperactivity or lethargy may accompany the condition. The precise sub-set of symptoms observed is very variable, and often depends upon whether the condition is chronic or acute. In the case of aquatic turtles, there may be an inability to swim, with listing in the water. They may hang near the surface or even stay out of the water entirely due to the difficulty experienced in breathing. All of these are extremely serious symptoms and they demand immediate professional veterinary attention. If you observe symptoms that include open-mouth breathing, gasping, weakness or deep respiratory sounds do not delay. Get help as fast as you possibly can."

Answer 3

It would REALLY help to know the species involved. In most places in the world, a tortoise is a dry land species, but you seem to be describing an aquatic turtle. (Of course, you could be Australian, which for some reason likes to call aquatic turtles 'tortoises')

Most turtles and tortoises yawn for about the same reasons people do- gas exchange.

Most turtles die in captivity because the habitat is not healthy. Turtles want big spaces with warm, clean water and sunlight-like lighting. Most tortoises die because they want big warm spaces with good hiding places with temps, lighting, and humidity like their natural homes.

All pet turtles and tortoises die because keepers often do not understand their needs or diets.

You can try sites like http://www.austinsturtlepage.com for help. Their 'World of Turtles' gallery can help identify the turtle, and their 'Care Sheets' and 'Articles' sections can help you provide the right cares.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Do Tortoises Yawn