What Does it Mean When Your Turtle Opens Its Mouth?

Turtles are fascinating creatures. They do exhibit some puzzling behavior sometimes, though. For instance, why is your turtle opening its mouth? There is not a single answer to why a turtle opening mouth is happening. Instead, this perplexing action has several reasons that could explain it.

Is the Turtle Hungry?

Turtles eat anything. TurtleHolic mentions that sometimes you can’t even see what a turtle is trying to eat because it may be too small for you to see. Furthermore, a turtle may even recognize someone who is the primary provider of his food. The turtle may see you and think you are bringing food, so a turtle opening mouth might mean he is expecting a snack or a meal. Many turtles make a slight clicking sound when they open their mouth if it is hunger or food related. Your turtle is using his voice and action to tell you to give me some food, please!

Is the Turtle Sick?

Turtles get sick with respiratory infections just as we do. I’m sure you have experienced that open mouth needs to breathe when you have one yourself. Your turtle is the same way. If he’s not getting enough oxygen, he may be keeping his mouth open in an attempt to breathe better. According to VCA Animal Hospital, turtles exhibit other symptoms besides open mouth breathing, a turtle gasping for air.   Look for bubbles of mucus in the eyes,mouth, and nose. a change in appetite or nasal discharge. If the turtle opening mouths, an aquatic turtle they also might swim tilted on its side.

This means the respiratory infection has reached the lungs, and they can’t remain buoyant in the water. If you think your turtle’s open mouth is respiratory-based, go to a vet immediately, as these infections move quickly. Keep respiratory infections at bay by practicing a few tips, says Jacquelyn Kennedy in her PetDT blog. Never feed live bugs or food with bones to your turtle. These can become stuck in a turtle’s throat. Also, make sure they have plenty of drinking water. A dehydrated turtle catches infections quickly.

Is the Turtle in Pain?

Pain is a great motivator not to do anything that causes more pain. If closing the mouth hurts, a turtle will not close his mouth even if he can. Or maybe because of a painful injury he physically can’t, at all. Think over the last few hours. Has your turtle fought with a cage mate? Has he eaten any harder food he’s unaccustomed to eating?  Has he been biting on hard decorations or toys? Look inside your turtle’s mouth if you suspect an injury. Do you see any broken skin? How about anything sticking up from the throat? Do you see any blisters or puss? Seeing those would indicate an abscess. Puss from an abscess in turtles is the consistency of cottage cheese.

Pain is also possible from a serious condition that  affects pet reptiles, including turtles. In this condition, the turtle’s immune system has been compromised. The result of a poorly functioning immune system is a build up of bacteria. As these bacteria multiply they leave behind pus, dead skin and red irritated skin. The nose will also leak pus. This is a extremely painful condition. It is also very serious.  A vet visit is crucial  if you see any of these signs. If mouth rot is not treated  as soon as possible, it states ” The Reptile Guide”  with antibiotics, it will spread to the  bones, which then will need to be amputated. With mouth rot pain  or any pain, your turtle opens his mouth to try to relieve this pain.

Is the Turtle in the Sun?

Turtles can often be seen basking in the sun with their neck extended and their mouth open. The Reptile Guide explains that turtles breathing while basking in the sun becomes more shallow because they aren’t moving much. Since shallow breathing brings less oxygen to the lungs, turtles open their mouth to yawn because it increases the oxygen. We think we yawn because we are tired, but the reality is we yawn when we need oxygen because we move less at night. A deep yawn fills our lungs. It’s the same way with your turtle. Additionally, turtles use yawning to keep their body temperature even. They usually extend their neck when in the sun for this exact reason.

Does a Turtle Get Mad?

Turtles don’t necessarily get mad, but they do get even. I’m kidding! When turtle opening mouth happens, it is not anger, but it is possibly aggression. A hissing sound often accompanies this. If your turtle opens his mouth, especially when hissing, he tells you to back off and leave him alone for a while. This might appear cute or funny since a pet turtle is so small next to its owner.

However, it would be like a mouse ordering around a dinosaur. Still,  you should give your turtle some space. Every living creature needs a stress-free environment. After all, he’s probably busy doing turtle stuff just now, but he would welcome a visit later. Turtles also act aggressively towards other turtles or fish if housed in a tank. It’s just a territorial thing

Is the Turtle’s Living Area Adequate?

If your turtle’s living space lacks something he needs, he may show it by opening his mouth due to stress or irritation. Does he have enough food or water? Is the space big enough? Turtles may seem not to need much space, but they like to move about and travel a bit. He’ll need room to do that, especially if he has turtle friends living with him. If he is aquatic, does he have enough area for swimming?

It is suggested that an aquatic turtle requires 10 gallons of water for each inch of its shell. They also note that it is essential to keep your turtle’s living area clean no matter the kind of turtle.

Can My Turtle’s Mouth be Stuck?

Ordinarily, no, because the reasons as mentioned earlier are usually the cause of a turtle opening mouth. If it seems like your turtle can’t close his mouth, try to be patient. Turtles need to learn how if they are younger. If your turtle isn’t in pain or shows no signs of illness, be patient and give it a couple of days. If your turtle still has its mouth open, never force it shut. You can seriously injure your turtle that way. Besides, your turtle  might fight you, leaving you with a bite injury yourself. Instead, call your vet. There may be an issue you can’t see with the bone or hinged jaw area.

The vet can sedate your pet and take a closer look. So a vet visit is mandatory if your turtle exhibits signs of infection, is unable to eat, or is in pain. If he’s eating OK, seemingly healthy, with no signs of distress, your turtle will close his mouth on his own. In conclusion, It may take no longer than a few seconds to minutes, since he may just be chewing or playing. On the other hand, it could take up to a day or two. Any longer may require medical care. The best one to access the situation and decide which of the reasons  for turtle opening mouth is you.