Tortoise made very odd noise; problem?

[FlapJackrage]

Hey guys, haven't been on in a while.

Audrey made a loud and long groan that almost sounded like an old cat meowing. It bothered me a lot. It sounded like she was in pain. Should I worry? What could it mean. I checked for RI, no symptoms. She is eating great and looks healthy.

 

[wellington]

Are you sure she isn't a he? Males will make noises when mating. Not saying she/he was mating, unless you have another tort, but possibly his hormones are raging? Just a guess. If everything else seems to be okay, then just keep an eye on her.

 

[FlapJackrage]

She is 4 so im not very sure on the gender yet. Do they mate at 4? i have no other torts

 

[Yvonne G]

Sometimes they groan when they're trying to push out a too-large poop, or something that won't come out.

 

[wellington]

I'm it sure if they could actually ate at four, but if it were a male, I'm sure he would try or at least have some hormones raging. I know their are a couple other members whose males are quite frisky now. If you hear it again, go pick her up and see if she is showing you that she is really a he

 

[Tom]

I think I know what you are talking about. It's sort of an expulsion of air with some noise to go with it, right? Totally normal. I hear mine do this from time to time. I described it as a quack burp.

 

[FlapJackrage]

it was a moan though. a full on moan and it was loud. Do you guys need pics for a gender difference?

 

[wellington]

I think I know what you are talking about. It's sort of an expulsion of air with some noise to go with it, right? Totally normal. I hear mine do this from time to time. I described it as a quack burp.

That's a new one Tom, never heard "quack burp". Not sure what that would sound like.
A pic might help to see if she is leaning more male or female.

 

[JoesMum]

How certain are you about age? Do you know the hatching date?

The noise you describe sounds very like Joe's mating noise from what you describe. If your tort really is aged 4, photos are likely to be inconclusive. However a good clear plastron (undershell) picture which includes the tail gives us a go. We will also nned to know how big (long) your tort is

 

[FlapJackrage]

Well if she is constipated what do I do? I'll post some pics in a couple minutes

 

[JoesMum]

Re: RE: Tortoise made very odd noise; problem?

Well if she is constipated what do I do? I'll post some pics in a couple minutes

Hydration and exercise are the keys, just like for humans. Twice daily thirty minute soaks to ensure your tort is hydrated should do the trick. They very often poop in the bath water.

Have you been finding poop? Don't worry if you haven't, sometimes it is hard to find and sometimes they eat it.

 

[Tom]

it was a moan though. a full on moan and it was loud. Do you guys need pics for a gender difference?

Okay it's an elongated quack burp. Yes it sort of sounds like a long moan. I don't think you have anything to worry about.

This is totally different than the waaa waaa waaa sound they make when mating.

 

[FlapJackrage]

OOOOOOOhhh yeah, she is definitelt constipated. Poor thing. she is sitting in her tub trying to squeeze it out right now.

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[Tom]

How often do you soak? Might be time for a nice long warm soak in the bath tub. All the scrambling around and warm water will usually get things moving. You can also feed some aloe or pumpkin. Car rides will often work like magic too.