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. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. 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. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. 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? They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. You also might have . 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. What do we learn here? Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! A good opportunity to handle your pet turtle is when its getting some sun. Yes, they do! Your email address will not be published. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Hence, it hurts when it is released. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. Can turtle pee hurt you? FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. 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. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. So, yes! With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. 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. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Turtles arent likely to escape a well-managed enclosure, so if you can rig things up properly, you might not need a lid at all. 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. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. . Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. 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. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. 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. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Its best for your turtle to have something to rest their feet on, whether thats your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can hold. 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. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. 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. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. Empty conch shells and ping-pong balls can make for fun toys for your pet turtle, and theyll also help to stimulate your pet mentally. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. Run the water Turn on the faucet in. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. 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. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. Turtles who are used to handling usually won't release any body fluids while you handle them, but if they are young or not used to people, it's going to happen. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Manage Settings 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. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. Can turtle pee hurt you? Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Can turtle pee hurt you? However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. They feel the need to defend themselves thus peeing on you would make you put them back down on the ground where they feel much more secure. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. 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. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. And do turtles pee is one of them. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. this is highly unlikely however if you make a sea turtle upset or angry or make it feel endangered it most likely will try to bite or do something to youno I was bitten on the back of the head. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Green. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. And also one of the places from where they breathe. And Coates adds, depending on your turtles species, its diet, and your set-up, you may also need to provide a calcium and vitamin D supplement. So, why do turtles pee when picked up? Can box turtle pee hurt you? For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. 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. They will drown in a tank of water. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. Its consistency may be moderate, liquid or dry, and depends on the amount consumed by a person fluid, climatic conditions, violations of the functional activity of the urinary organs. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. 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. Read our advice on understanding. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Thick urine in men and women. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. 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. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. At this point, your penis should not turtle. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. The cloaca works in a similar way to the lungs, when the turtle is inside the water the cloaca will act like a pump that will suck water inside and after it gathers all the oxygen from it, it will expel the water out, and then it will start over. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Any prolapsed tissue may be viewed by other animals in the same tank as something to eat, and they will readily bite at the exposed tissue. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. 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. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. (Are They Dangerous?). Required fields are marked *. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. So, how do turtles pee? 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. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. Blisters or . Can turtle pee hurt you? Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Yes, you read it right. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. 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. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. 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. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. 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. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. 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. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. 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. This will help your pet get used to your presence. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. The resulting stream of urine can sometimes startle the predator and give the turtle the opportunity it needs to run. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. 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). The regular color of urine varies. In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. 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. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. 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. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Are turtles expensive to keep? Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. 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. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Never enter the safe zone! However, land turtles urinate every day or two. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. 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. So, should you pick up a turtle? Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. Blue. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Your email address will not be published. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. Dont ever bother your turtle when its hiding or resting. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. People infected. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. 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. But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available.