Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/how-turtles-and-tortoises-behave/, https://peteducate.com/do-turtles-get-attached-to-their-owners/. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. The yellow color is probably urine. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. Similarly, a turtle with gastrointestinal parasites and diarrhea may strain to defecate and prolapse part of the large intestine or the cloaca (the common chamber into which the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty) out of the vent. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. Can earthworm pee hurt you. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? So, do turtles pee when scared? If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. By the time you notice this, the underlying problem likely has been going on for quite a while and may have serious long-term effects on the turtle's health. 3. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Normal urine has a mild transparent . Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. It is caused by a variety of factors. Will turtle pee hurt you? Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Your email address will not be published. Hence, it hurts when it is released. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Its just doing what comes naturally! read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. They will drown in a tank of water. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. Nursingpets.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. In fact, all turtles pee. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to. Start gently and gradually. The resulting stream of urine can sometimes startle the predator and give the turtle the opportunity it needs to run. This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Urinary tract infection. Here are the links to our most recent posts that may interest you: As we mentioned before, there are a number of theories regarding why turtles pee when picked up. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. (Are They Dangerous? Although turtles are certainly not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, most turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, in that they do not show signs of illness. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. (Are They Dangerous?). Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Holding your breath while urinating or pushing with your abdominal muscles to speed up the process won't hurt you if you do it once in a while, but if this is an everyday habit, it may weaken your bladder, says Jenny Archer, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor therapist based in Nashville, Tennessee. The Surprising Answer( With Video). Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Turtles are interesting creatures. Your email address will not be published. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. . Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Hence people always come with some unique queries. But, when you do decide to pick up your turtle, be sure to support their weight from underneath and keep a firm grip, so they dont fall and hurt themselves. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Do make sure to read its body language. Thick urine in men and women. Turtles are aware of their owners. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. Small children handling turtles should be supervised to ensure they dont place them near their eyes or mouths and that they wash their hands afterwards. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. The regular color of urine varies. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? However, someone who owns a turtle and can no longer care for it might think that theres a perfect spot in a nearby pond or forest that would be just the place for a turtle. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. It is not illegal to own or to buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches, again, unless it is a protected species. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . Your pet turtle should have some kind of resting spot, whether that means holding onto your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can grab. Hermann tortoises and their dietary preferences can be very strange, sometimes tortoises will eat everything that is in front of them (even if they shouldnt) and other times they will become some Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. TurtleOwner.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. You shouldnt pick up your pet turtle too quickly; even though he/she seems accustomed to being handled, you never know how much stress this activity causes him/her. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Here is a video where you can see a turtle pees while somebody is holding it: Except for the situation mentioned above, its almost impossible to see a turtle pee, and there are two good reasons for this. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. Here is a short video that shows how cloacal breathing works: Some turtle species like the Olive ridley sea turtle can stay almost 10 hours submerged underwater, and the air that they get through the cloaca is essential for that. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . Common UTI Symptoms. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. According to Dr. Adam Denish, of Rhawnhurst Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania, thinking that a turtle should look sick for it to be a threat is a mistake. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. Can turtle pee hurt you? Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? And do turtles pee is one of them. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. On February 23, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced the latest outbreak related to tiny turtles, which has so far caused 22 illnesses and one death. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. This will help your pet get used to your presence. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. At this point, your penis should not turtle. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. You also might have . Clean up all feces right away. Your email address will not be published. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Turtles are considered aquatic animals, so by all means they can You would probably notice how eager turtles would poop once they got into the water. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Orange. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Blue. And a few theories backed it from the behind. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. Can turtle pee hurt you? There are a few main aspects of survival that are essential to turtles, and if you can take care of these needs, youll be well on your way to creating a close relationship with your turtle. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. While a cat is probably more likely to have the skill to get up and into your turtles enclosure, never underestimate the brute force of an eager and leaping dog, no matter the size. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. If your turtle opens its mouth and moves its head upward when you pet it, you should stop because this is a sign of discomfort. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. So asking yourself if they drink water is quite understandable, especially since they spend most of their time in the water, where it can be quite hard to see what they do. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Dark brown. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. Turtles are fun to watch swim around in an aquarium, lazily walk their way across the terrain (e.g., your carpet), or even just chill out on a warm and comfortable rock. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. If you're always looking for the bathroom because you have to pee upwards of eight times a day and it's not just uncomfortable but hurts . This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. With enough time and patience, your turtle will learn to associate that area with urinating and will start to use it as their designated bathroom spot. Do your research so that you can be sure that you are prepared to care for any animal companion you choose to call your own. The answer is yes! In fact, its almost odorless. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. If your turtle snaps, bites, or hisses, thats a pretty clear indication that you should take a step back and work on bonding with your pet another time. Can turtle pee hurt you? It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Your email address will not be published. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. The easiest thing you can do is just give them regular access to water. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. Even if using the cloaca is less exhausting for the turtle, in normal circumstances a turtle wont be able to survive for long periods of time using only the cloaca. On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. Full thickness shedding of skin, leaving raw or bleeding areas, is clearly abnormal and may be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency), burn, or trauma. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Never enter the safe zone! So why did my turtle pee on me? Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. by leaving a tip. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Yes, you read it right. Infected animals and people carry the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their feces, serving as a source of infection to others. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Turtles need a platform to stand on. Green algae growing on the outside of the shell occurs commonly and can be cleaned off with periodic brushing of the shell with disinfectant cleaners. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. Any turtle whose shell is abnormal should be checked by a veterinarian so that appropriate treatment, as well as correction of environmental factors, can be initiated. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a glass of water. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality.
