So, yes! Your email address will not be published. Turtles are interesting creatures. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. So, should you pick up a turtle? Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. 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. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. While controversial, most veterinarians feel it is best to try to prevent captive red-eared sliders from hibernating, since hibernation is very stressful on the body, and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest themselves during the immunocompromise that accompanies hibernation. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. While they are generally discerning, it is possible your turtle will eat something they shouldn't. These could include small pieces of plastic, fabric or any other material. The yellow color is probably urine. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. Your email address will not be published. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. Hence people always come with some unique queries. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. Hence, it hurts when it is released. The answer is yes! By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! Just like the excrement of other animals, it contains the body's metabolic waste products which can be harmful for humans especially children and pregnant women. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Yes, affectively from research from scientists, according to men only, earthworm urine can immensely be affective and sting to . Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. The regular color of urine varies. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. It is likely based on the individual personalities. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Turtle Pees from Its Mouth | Weird Animals | Live Science First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Lets start with the cloaca. (Are They Dangerous?). This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. Are Red Eared Sliders Dangerous? - AquaticPals Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. What's The Smallest Turtle You Can Buy? - LegalProX A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Do turtles bite? How Dangerous Can Turtle Bites Be? If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. Is it OK to touch a sea turtle? - Global FAQ 3. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. They will lay out under the. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. Common UTI Symptoms. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Why Does It Hurt When I Pee? (Live) - YouTube Music As your turtle gets more accustomed to you it will stop peeing on your hand, but until then this is one of the few occasions when you can see your turtle pee. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? (Are They Dangerous?). Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. If youve ever held a turtle in your hand and felt a warm, damp spot, theres a good chance that your turtle has peed on you. If he does, then give him a few light pats. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. YSK if you decide to help a turtle cross the road, always move - reddit They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Dont keep them too long in your hands, being gripped is unnatural for them, so it is quicker for them to be in a defensive mode. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. Its possible that you might have seen a few horror movies where people that are going to be attacked by monsters or ghosts, pee themselves. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. Urgent need to pee. The bite does not cause any real damage, although it can hurt kids with tiny fingers. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. Would you let a turtle pee on you? - Quora Turtles and water are of course inseparable. Is this harmful to me? 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. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Its true! Answer. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. 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. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Keep any enclosure back from the edges of shelves, tables, or bureaus, and secure cords going to and from lights, heaters, and filters to avoid both tripping and curious mouths. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Health and Safety Information for Aquatic Turtle Keepers 3 1989 Zappa Fam. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. 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. So, do turtles pee when scared? Normal urine has a mild transparent . And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. 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. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. Do Turtles Pee? Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! While sunlight will provide all the ultraviolet light a turtle needs in the wild, its not enough to simply have your enclosure near a sunlit window. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Forming a bond with your pet over time and gaining its trust will also help to prevent it feeling stressed when you pick it up. What do we learn here? UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. 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. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. tortoise won't poop - EMERGENCY CARE - Turtle Forum Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? Cloudy white. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. turtles "pee" (actually it's not urine, it's just water from their anal bladder that stores water to help the females lay eggs and also helps turts breathing under water ) because they are scared. Start gently and gradually. So, its better to be careful. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. 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. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Turtles arent known for showing much emotion, but if yours isnt giving you any love back, dont fret; turtles usually live alone and wont feel left out unless you neglect its water bowl. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. 96 Continue this thread turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Why Do Turtles Pee On You? (Is This Normal?) - AnimalBrite.com But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. Turtles need a platform to stand on. But some people argue that even in such situations we have plenty to drink, as long as we don't turn up our noses at it. Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Can box turtle pee hurt you? If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? If you intend to swap out a former fish tank for your new turtle, its best to invest in a new and more appropriate aquarium lid than the type that comes with fish tanks. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. Is Drinking Urine Good for You? Benefits, Risks, and More - Healthline Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Posted July 22, 2018. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. 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. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Thick urine in men and women. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. If the penis stays out, it can become traumatized and swollen or can be bitten by another turtle, preventing it from reverting back into the shell and ultimately causing a serious problem. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. But if you wee in the same place too much, you will build up a concentration of salts in the soil, and this can affect osmosis of water into the plant's roots. How to (Safely) Move a Turtle across the Road Legislation was then passed in the United States making it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. 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. If you need to rehome a turtle, there are any number of internet groups and organizations that might be able to help find a suitable new family for it (see related links below). If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. 10. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Pick them up with both hands with as little pressure as you can, keep in mind that their shells are living tissue, therefore they are sensitive. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. This video was supported by KiwiCo. They love the water. 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. Your email address will not be published. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Is Turtle Pee Harmful to Humans? - Small Pets 101 A veterinarian uses a physical examination, blood tests, and radiographs (X-rays) to help diagnose the cause of the dystocia and to determine whether medical and/or surgical procedures are best indicated in treating these animals. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Yes thats right, sometimes a turtle pees on youif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3-0'); So the question you may be wondering Why did my turtle pee on me? Can box turtle pee hurt you? - Sage-Advices Lastly, turtles have a natural reflex that causes them to urinate when their abdomen is stimulated. When a turtle is scared, its body goes into fight-or-flight mode, and it may release the uric acid (a urine-like substance) as a way to defend itself. 3 Ways to Prevent Your Penis from Retracting - Expand Penis Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to create a safe zone in your turtles aquarium where it can hide and find comfort. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. 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. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. Also, its a good idea to invest in a vacuum, or even just a simple siphon device made for tanks, which offers a simple way to make a partial water change each time you use itwhich should be at least once a week. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! 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.