I have heard. Now this is not coming from any experience. That a BTA will split when they think death is near or a temp fluctuation. They bubble when they are unhappy and split when they are scared. LOL Good luck with yours. I have heard that you an feed the poop out of it for a week or so then turn up the heat a few degrees and it will split for you. Again no experience but the source is reputable. Hope this helps.