May 19, 2025, 1:16 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Tortoises are considered exotic pets and, unlike snakes or lizards, are popular household animals. In addition to proper care, they also require medical attention. But how can you tell if a tortoise is sick? Unlike dogs or cats, reptiles typically do not exhibit specific symptoms when they are unwell.
Every pet owner wants their animal to be well and healthy. However, for those who own a tortoise, this is less easy to determine than for cat or dog owners, the German Pet Supplies Industry Association (IVH) points this out. Unlike mammals, reptiles show few symptoms when they are unwell. So how can an owner tell if their tortoise is sick? Fortunately, there are some indicators and methods to gain certainty—especially by observing the animals’ behavior.
Overview
Correctly Interpreting Symptoms in Tortoises
Initially, the health of tortoises can be assessed by some external features. Healthy reptiles have a specific coloration according to their species and environment. If the skin is pale or shows brownish, gray, and dark tones, this may indicate stress or various diseases.1
Other signs of sick tortoises include sunken eyes or if the areas where the head and legs emerge from the shell appear sunken. This usually indicates malnutrition, often a result of discomfort or illness.
A “tortoise check” should also be conducted regularly to better detect illness. What data to collect during this process is detailed in the section “Keeping a Health Diary for Tortoises” below.
Also of interest: Why Tortoises Need to Be in the Fridge During Winter
Observe and Document Behavior
If a tortoise is sick, this is not only evident in its appearance but especially in its behavior. According to the site “Reptiliendoktor,” there are three typical behaviors that indicate illness:
- Withdrawal—tortoises often bury themselves
- Reduced activity, leading to lethargy and excessive sleep
- Lack of appetite or refusal to eat
“Even the slightest deviations from usual behavior can be a clear indication of an existing illness,” explains veterinarian Hermann Kempf in an IVH statement. As initial signs that the animal is unwell, Kempf mentions swollen or sunken eyes or changes in stool consistency.
Increased bathing and drinking behavior also require prompt clarification. Because: “If the animal withdraws and stops eating, a disease process is usually already well advanced,” explains Kempf, who runs a veterinary practice for exotic animals in Augsburg.
Keeping a Health Diary for Tortoises
Many abnormalities in tortoises develop gradually—and are difficult for owners to recognize without comparison values. Therefore, it is advisable to keep a health diary. Tortoise owners can regularly note the following:
- Weight check with date (sudden weight loss = alarm signal)
- Visual inspection of the shell (cracks, soft spots, discolorations)
- Check nose, eyes, and cloaca for discharge
- Observe gait (is the animal limping or wobbling?)
- Activity (e.g., how long was the tortoise active? Did it bask?)
- Amount and type of food
- Stool observations (color, consistency, frequency)
- Behavior (e.g., withdrawal, restlessness, lack of appetite)
- Special occurrences (e.g., shedding, egg-laying attempt, injuries)
Such a diary not only helps to notice the smallest changes early but can also provide valuable information to the veterinarian in case of illness. Especially with problems after winter dormancy or chronic diseases, the timeline can be crucial for diagnosis and therapy.
You can also use this checklist to determine when your tortoise is likely sick and urgently needs to see a veterinarian:
- Refusal to eat for more than 5 days (except when preparing for hibernation)
- Respiratory noises
- Head tilt or uncoordinated movements
- Bloating, foul-smelling stool, diarrhea
- Open wounds or injuries
- Changed bathing and drinking behavior
Tortoise is Sick? Here’s Help
To react quickly in case of emergency, Kempf recommends tortoise owners engage intensively with their animals. It can also be helpful to exchange experiences with seasoned tortoise owners—and to have a care consultation on-site with a veterinarian knowledgeable about reptiles.
You can find a list of veterinarians on the website of the German Society for Herpetology and Herpetoculture (DGHT). The “Reptiliendoktor” website also offers a simple and quick search.
Adult Tortoises Behave Differently Than Juveniles
How a healthy tortoise behaves individually depends on various influences, such as temperature, age, enclosure, and social structure. According to Kempf, juveniles generally tend to withdraw more, while adult tortoises are more active.
“In good weather, one can roughly assume that adult animals use the first rays of sun in the morning to warm up, then start eating, retreat in the midday heat, and become active again in the afternoon,” says the veterinarian regarding adult tortoises. “In extreme heat and cold periods, they usually withdraw and are then hardly visible.”
The Most Common Diseases in Tortoises
According to Dr. Wolfgang Wettengl, who has been practicing as a veterinarian for exotic pets like parrots, reptiles, and amphibians for over 30 years, the following typical diseases occur in tortoises:
- Egg binding: the most common cause of death in female tortoises, where females can no longer lay eggs
- Rickets or shell softening: caused by disturbances in calcium metabolism, which can have various reasons
- Post-hibernation anorexia: tortoises that do not, or not quickly enough, ramp up their metabolism and start eating after hibernation can poison themselves with metabolic products
Additionally, tortoises are often infested with various worms, especially oxyurids and ascarids.2
In the next section, we will explain how to recognize that the tortoise is suffering from one of the most common diseases.
How to Keep Tortoises Outdoors
How to set up a cold frame for tortoises
Are Tortoises Suitable Pets for Children?
Frequently Asked Questions About Tortoise Health
How do I know if my tortoise is cold?
Tortoises are cold-blooded animals and rely on external heat sources. If the animal is cold, it usually shows apathetic behavior, moves very little, and withdraws deeply into its shell. Cold extremities or consistently low activity in otherwise warm weather can also be a sign. In the terrarium, the temperature should be between 28 and 35 degrees Celsius during the day, depending on the species, with a warm spot up to 40 degrees.
What to do if my tortoise doesn’t eat?
If a tortoise doesn’t eat for several days, it could be due to stress, incorrect temperature, a change in environment, or an emerging illness. It’s important to check the care, lighting, and food quality. If the animal also shows symptoms like apathy or weight loss, a veterinarian knowledgeable about reptiles should be consulted. After hibernation, lack of appetite is also a warning sign for post-hibernation anorexia.
What is post-hibernation anorexia in tortoises?
After hibernation, tortoises should become active, start eating, and ramp up their metabolism within a few days. If this does not happen, it is called post-hibernation anorexia—a type of anorexia after winter dormancy. The animals refuse food, move little, and appear generally dull. Without treatment, self-poisoning from metabolic end products can occur. Again, a specialized veterinarian should be consulted quickly.
How often should I take my tortoise to the vet?
Even though reptiles do not require annual vaccinations like dogs or cats, regular health checks are advisable—especially before and after winter dormancy. Experts recommend at least an annual check-up with a veterinarian knowledgeable about reptiles. If there are any abnormalities in behavior or appearance, do not hesitate to seek professional help early.
What are the signs of egg binding?
Egg binding is one of the most common emergencies in female tortoises. Possible signs include:
- Restless wandering without apparent reason
- Frequent digging without laying eggs
- Lack of appetite and apathy
- Visible bulging in the rear body area
An immediate visit to the vet is crucial to save the animal’s life.
With material from dpa