Hissing

[bmt123]

Do box turtles hiss because whenever I pick up Lavern I hear a hissing noise

 

[turtleluv88]

Mine for sure hiss. Not always but my RES she hisses at me like crazy when I pick her up or touch her (even though she is really friendly)

 

[GBtortoises]

The hissing noise that you hear is not defensive unless their head is completely visible and their mouth is wide open as if they're going to bite. Red Ear Sliders, along with Painted turtles and some others will often attempt to defend themselves by biting. Box turtles almost never do.
If the turtle's head and other limbs are pulled in, the hissing noise is very likely from the turtle rapidly expelling air from it's lungs which takes place when they quickly pull their limbs in, usually due to being startled, such as when picked up.

 

[jojodesca]

mine hiss if i startle them when I pick them up...if they were hissing as a warning they would have there head out and mouth open...

 

[Saloli]

It could be a respiratory infection. Though the can hiss by expelling air.

 

[bmt123]

I only hear it when I touch her

 

[jojodesca]

I only hear it when I touch her

that is normal until they get to know you..and even then if you startle them they will hiss, HOWEVER you will also hear a hisswhen they suddenly flinch in their shell

 

[fbsmith3]

Mine will hiss when she is hiding and my wife calls her. It's kind of a I'm here don't come looking for me and I'm not hungry.

If she is hungry, when my wife calls her she come to her food dish.