Start gently and gradually. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Is this harmful to me? Therefore, the right method of handling may slow down the occurrence of them peeing on you as they get used to your grip on them. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Luckily, the turtle's cloaca -- the rear end hole (not an anus) that allows the reptile to excrete, urinate, and lay its eggs -- features two sacs, or bursa, which more efficiently absorb oxygen. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. So, how do turtles pee? You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. While turtles generally don't go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. 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. So, lets continue. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. Posted July 22, 2018. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. 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. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. So, yes! Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Urinary tract infection. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. 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. 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. by leaving a tip. (Are They Dangerous?). Many of these children did not exercise proper hygiene (such as washing their hands after handling the turtles and even placing the turtles in their mouths). TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. If so, youre not alone! A baby red eared slider, for example, might be sold when its only four inches long but can be expected to eventually reach 10 to 12 inches in length, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, CO. 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. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. So, do turtles pee when scared? Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). 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. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. 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. While your local pet store is unlikely to accept your turtle, they might be able to steer you in the right direction or allow you to post on their community boards. Read our advice on understanding. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. Can turtle pee hurt you? And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. 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. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! https://www.quora.com/Why-do-turtles-urinate-when-you-pick-them-up-for-short-periods-of-time#:~:text=They%20urinate%20because%20they%20are,so%20far%20from%20the%20ground.&text=Because%20you%20scared%20the%20piss,they%20withdraw%20into%20their%20shells. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. Required fields are marked *. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. They too would like some space of their own and have peace of mind, if not they might pee on you as a sign of distress as soon as you pick them up. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. Can turtle pee hurt you? A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Can earthworm pee hurt you. It's not recommended to come into contact with dog urine, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues like COPD and asthma. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. They often follow their owners around the house with their heads down, looking at them intently.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Are turtles expensive to keep? So, why do turtles pee when picked up? And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. The regular color of urine varies. (Are They Dangerous? The needed frequency of this will depend on the size of your tank and whether or not you use a separate tank at mealtimes, but you should change the water before it becomes dirty or foul smelling. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Your email address will not be published. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. 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. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. Start gently and gradually. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. It has the potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into contact with you so you have to be very carefulif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Thats why its important to alwayswash your hands after handling your turtle, If your turtle has peed on you and you want to stop this behavior carry on reading, If you want your turtle to stop peeing on you its very simple, If you have to handle your turtle, do it in a gentle and calm way. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Instead, they will only do so if they are ill or trying to conserve water. It is likely based on the individual personalities. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to. 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. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. If youre buying a turtle as a baby or hatchling, its imperative that you consider the approximate size your turtle will be when its fully grown. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. Manage Settings Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Home Turtles Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? This video was supported by KiwiCo. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. Will turtle pee hurt you? 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. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. Doing all this correctly will definitely stop your turtle peeing on you every time you pick him up, It does take time and patience but it will be all worth it in the end, Because your turtle will show affection towards you too, Happy you asked because thats what Im going to talk about next. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Urgent need to pee. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. 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. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Required fields are marked *. Never pick them up by the tail, or try to have a grip on them, theyll quickly feel threatened and end up peeing on you. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. 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. You have diabetes. 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. You also might have . If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. . 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. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. 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. The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet that may be too high in protein and fat or may be imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. 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. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? A dog or cat may view your new turtle with curiosity at first, but a simple exploratory scratch or bite can easily cause serious, andpotentially lethal, harm. They will drown in a tank of water. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. 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. You can get turtles that come with balls, ropes, and many other fun items.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-leader-1-0'); These types of toys not only provide entertainment, but they also give your pet something to do. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. 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. As for the situations where you would need to touch them, remember these three reminders: The key is in handling them and the deliberate pressure you put on them. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. The bite does not cause any real damage, although it can hurt kids with tiny fingers. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Yes, affectively from research from scientists, according to men only, earthworm urine can immensely be affective and sting to . Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Not only is it illegal to keep most native turtle species as pets, but it's almost impossible to provide habitat where the turtle can thrive. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. 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. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. 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. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. 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. 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. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. Because taking care of them for the vast majority of my life wasnt fulfilling enough, I decided to begin educating others about them through my articles. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. It is caused by a variety of factors. Your pet turtle should feel safe imagine how terrifying it would be to be held high above ground while struggling to get back down to safety. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. The second reason is that they live in water, where pee is kind of hard to see, especially if you take the small quantity that they let out, into consideration. The process is just a little different for each species. 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. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. So, should you pick up a turtle? So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. So, between the natural competition for food, the uncertainty of the weather, and disease, your pet will have little chance of survival, not to mention the damage it might cause to native animals.