Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my baby turtle opening its mouth to breathe and not eating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Reptile | Aquatic Turtle

My pet baby turtle is sometimes opening its mouth to breathe , slightly opening its mouth and u can see it gulping and the air goes pass neck . He is hibernating ? And is not eating since we brought it home . He’s really happy under the sun . And do turtle breathe when they sleep and all the time ? How can we tell if the turtle is breathing ? Is he suffering from respiratory infection ? He doesn’t have runny nose nor lopsided swimming and how to make him eat ? He hasn’t been eating for10 days

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 4th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Junejune. Test the water temperature and the temperature at the basking site. If too cold, will not eat. Live preys such as worms or small fish, could stimulate appetite by movement. Hibernation is controlled by environmental parameters (cold, decreasing photoperiod). They do breath while sleeping, just very slowly and you should see the rear legs move during inspiration. If concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess. Good luck.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 2nd, 2020

    Thanks for reaching out about Junejune. Check and correct husbandry parameters including water temperature, water quality (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates), basking site temperature and UVB exposure. If the water or basking site are too cold, the appetite and immune system are suppressed. It sounds as if he/she is having difficulty breathing in, so a veterinary visit is recommended as this could be pneumonia. Try to warm him/her up. Good luck.

    Vote icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
What's the best way to feed my hamster when I'm going on a trip?
Planning a trip to Chicago and need to feed your Syrian hamster? A certified vet offers expert advice on feeding options for short and long trips, plus finding trusted pet sitters.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My newly adopted pet won't eat hay. What can I do to encourage it?
Adopted a pet not eating hay? Dr. Stafford, a certified vet, offers expert guidance on encouraging hay consumption, including adjusting pellets and trying fresh types.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet is breathing hard, not eating, and lethargic. What's wrong?
Is your rat breathing heavily, won't eat, and has no energy? A Licensed Vet Tech explains potential causes like infection and age, urging a vet visit for diagnosis.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored