The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. 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. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Turtles pee can carry high levels of urea. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time after handling, feeding your reptile, or cleaning its cage items to help minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. 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. So why did my turtle pee on me? Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. 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. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . Given that you have a turtle that youre not sure about picking up, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. If you have any questions left, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Yes, affectively from research from scientists, according to men only, earthworm urine can immensely be affective and sting to . Common UTI Symptoms. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. But straining that hard is an indication of a serious problem He may have an intestinal blockage, and straining can cause him to have an intestinal prolapse when part of the intestine comes out of the cloaca/anus. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. . While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . 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. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Blue. So, do turtles pee when scared? In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. In fact, its almost odorless. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. 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. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. 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. Lets start with the cloaca. If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. And a few theories backed it from the behind. As they feel frightened, they proceed to pee on you as one of their defensive measures as it allows more space for them to withdraw into their shells and shut it tighter as they do. So, its better to be careful. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. At this point, your penis should not turtle. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. 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. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Orange. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Hence, it hurts when it is released. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. The Surprising Answer( With Video). What are the health hazards of dog urine? Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. 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. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. 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. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Depending on their natural habitat different turtle species are able to get more air through their cloaca than other species, and this is to be expected. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. You have diabetes. 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. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Its true! Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. Can turtle pee hurt you? If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. Normal urine has a mild transparent . 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. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. By Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. 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;}. 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? Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. 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. 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If so, youre not alone! While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. 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. 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. 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. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Required fields are marked *. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. 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. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. 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. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. So, should you pick up a turtle? FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. 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? In turtles, a prolapse occurs when an organ (such as the intestine, cloaca, urinary bladder, uterus, or penis) protrudes from the vent (the opening in the underside of the tail from which the turtle passes droppings). You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. 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. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. The answer is yes! Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. Can A Turtle Pee on You? With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? This site 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. When you pick them up out of their consciousness, it startles them, making them pee on you as they are frightened of the sudden touching and lifting. Simply put, turtles are dirty. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. But this isnt verified or proven information. 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. Not all turtles that use their cloaca for breathing are able to achieve such long periods underwater, but they are able to spend a lot more time than they would have without the cloaca. Is this harmful to me? And do turtles pee is one of them. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. 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. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs..