10 Signs Your Tortoise Is Sick and How to Help

Ever wonder if your tortoise is trying to tell you something?

Unlike cats or dogs, tortoises can’t make their feelings known with a bark or a meow, which makes spotting illness tricky.

But even though they’re quiet, they leave behind plenty of hints that all isn’t well.

From strange behaviors to physical changes, here are 10 warning signs every tortoise owner should know—and how you can help.

10 Signs Your Tortoise Is Sick

Tortoises are masters at hiding when something’s wrong, which is why we need to be extra observant as pet owners.

I remember when my tortoise, Sheldon, wasn’t acting like himself, and it took a bit of digging to figure out what was going on.

Here’s a guide based on both research and personal experience that can help you spot when your tortoise is feeling under the weather—and what you can do about it.

1. Loss of Appetite

One of the first signs something was up with Sheldon was his loss of appetite. Normally, he would rush (well, tortoise-speed rush) over when I offered him his favorite greens. But one week, he just stopped eating. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.

What to Do:

First, I checked his enclosure temperature, which had dipped slightly below what’s ideal. I adjusted the heat lamp, and after a few days, his appetite returned.

If your tortoise refuses food, double-check their diet and the enclosure’s temperature. Offer their favorite foods, but if they’re still not eating after a couple of days, consult a vet.

2. Lethargy

Tortoises aren’t exactly known for their speed, but when Sheldon spent almost an entire week hiding under his basking rock, I got worried.

Normally, he’d at least move around to soak up some sun or explore a bit, but it seemed like he had no energy at all.

What to Do:

The first thing I did was make sure his enclosure was set to the right temperature. Tortoises need warmth to digest food and stay active. In Sheldon’s case, after a few days of temperature adjustments, he perked up.

If your tortoise is lethargic, ensure their enclosure is at the right temperature and not too humid. If they remain sluggish, take them to a vet—it could be a sign of an underlying issue like dehydration or illness.

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3. Abnormal Feces

Nobody enjoys examining tortoise poop, but trust me, it tells a lot about their health. I remember when Sheldon started producing watery stools. It was gross, but more importantly, it was worrying. I later found out he was slightly dehydrated, which was throwing off his digestion.

What to Do:

If you notice abnormal feces—whether it’s watery or nonexistent—try soaking your tortoise in lukewarm water. This helps with both digestion and hydration. Also, make sure they’re eating a variety of fresh greens.

If the poop problem doesn’t go away after a few days, take a sample to the vet to check for parasites or infections. That’s what I did, and it gave me peace of mind when everything came back clear.

4. Respiratory Issues

One of the most alarming signs Sheldon ever showed was wheezing. He had nasal discharge too, and I could tell he was having trouble breathing.

This happened after I accidentally left a window open, causing the room temperature to drop significantly. It turns out tortoises are really sensitive to temperature changes.

What to Do:

If you hear any wheezing or notice a runny nose, check the enclosure’s temperature and humidity immediately.

Tortoises need warm, dry environments to prevent respiratory issues. In Sheldon’s case, I raised the temperature slightly, but since his symptoms persisted, I ended up taking him to the vet. Respiratory infections can be serious, so don’t wait too long to seek help.

5. Swollen Eyes or Runny Nose

Sheldon once developed swollen, watery eyes, which freaked me out. He looked so uncomfortable! After doing some research, I realized it might have been due to his diet lacking vitamin A.

What to Do:

If your tortoise’s eyes are swollen or they have a runny nose, make sure their diet is balanced. In Sheldon’s case, I added more vitamin A-rich foods like carrots and squash, and his eyes improved.

But if the swelling or discharge continues, it’s best to get them checked out by a vet. They can determine if it’s an infection or something more serious.

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6. Shell Problems

Shell problems are particularly concerning. I noticed Sheldon’s shell had started to look a bit soft, which immediately set off alarm bells. Shell rot is a common issue if the enclosure is too damp or unclean, so I knew I had to act fast.

What to Do:

Keep the enclosure clean and dry. I started giving Sheldon gentle baths and cleaned his shell with warm water. If the shell is soft, smelly, or discolored, get to the vet quickly. They’ll likely prescribe antibiotics or antifungal treatments, depending on the severity of the rot.

Thankfully, I caught Sheldon’s issue early, and with some adjustments, his shell went back to normal.

7. Skin Issues

Tortoises naturally shed skin in small patches, but when Sheldon started shedding excessively, I got concerned. His skin looked dry and flaky, which I later learned could be a sign of dehydration or poor diet.

What to Do:

If your tortoise’s skin looks dry or there are lesions, first make sure they’re well-hydrated. Soak them in lukewarm water a couple of times a week, and keep an eye on their diet.

After adding more leafy greens and giving Sheldon regular baths, his skin issues cleared up. However, if the shedding is accompanied by sores or crustiness, take them to the vet to check for infections or parasites.

8. Regurgitation

I’ll never forget the first time I saw Sheldon regurgitate his food—it was unsettling, to say the least. He had been eating well, but then suddenly threw up, which is definitely not normal for tortoises.

What to Do:

Regurgitation can happen if your tortoise eats too fast or if their diet isn’t quite right. Make sure they’re eating slowly, and try feeding them smaller portions.

However, if this happens more than once or if they’re throwing up frequently, take them to the vet. Regurgitation can be a sign of gastrointestinal problems that need immediate attention.

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9. Changes in Behavior

Tortoises may be calm and slow-moving, but their personalities can change if they’re sick. Sheldon, who’s usually pretty social (as far as tortoises go), became incredibly withdrawn and grumpy at one point. He wouldn’t come out of his hide and even hissed when I tried to interact with him.

What to Do:

Behavior changes can be a sign of stress, pain, or illness. Double-check the environmental setup and make sure your tortoise isn’t being overstimulated. In Sheldon’s case, reducing handling and letting him chill out in a quiet environment helped.

But if the unusual behavior persists, it’s important to consult a vet to rule out health problems.

10. Dehydration Signs

Dehydration is a common issue, especially for tortoises that live in dry environments. Sheldon’s eyes once looked sunken, and his urates (the solid part of his waste) were really hard. These were clear signs he wasn’t getting enough water.

What to Do:

If you suspect your tortoise is dehydrated, give them a warm soak for about 15-20 minutes. It’s like a mini spa session, and it really helps with hydration. I also started misting Sheldon’s enclosure more regularly and made sure he had constant access to fresh water.

Keep an eye on their diet too—foods like leafy greens help with hydration. If their eyes stay sunken or the urates are hard despite your efforts, head to the vet.