In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. 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. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. 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). 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. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. 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. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. 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. Simply put, turtles are dirty. So, lets continue. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Its always best to remove any uneaten food from a turtles enclosure to avoid a mess from cast-off and decaying matter, which can make the tank water get very nasty. 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. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. And a few theories backed it from the behind. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. 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. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. 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. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Can turtle pee hurt you? Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. . . You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. 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. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. The answer is yes! A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Can turtle pee hurt you? I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Start gently and gradually. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. I've been a turtle and tortoise owner for 10 years, during which I gained a lot of experience and information, and now I want to share them with everybody that is curious or it's looking for help. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Start gently and gradually. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. 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. 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. Turtles are interesting creatures. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. 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. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. In captivity, if the photoperiod (daytime length) is kept at 12-14 hours and the environmental conditions stay warm, then turtles typically do not hibernate. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. But no, this is never a good idea. 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. You've only seen one page. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. (Are They Dangerous? Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Your email address will not be published. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Dark brown. Turtles love being outside, especially during springtime. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Can turtle pee hurt you? Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. 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. 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. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. 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. 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. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 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. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. When it comes to filtration, it is recommended that you opt for a turtle tank filter system that is strong enough to filter a tank twice the size of yours. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. So, should you pick up a turtle? When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. 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. One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Are turtles expensive to keep? Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Do Turtles Pee? 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. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Although turtles are certainly not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, most turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, in that they do not show signs of illness. In susceptible people and animals, salmonellosis can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fever, or septicemia (blood infection). Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. People infected. Manage Settings Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! And if a snapping turtle bites you this way, the danger is even bigger due to their sharp beaks that can cut through the meat the more they maintain the bite. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. 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. 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. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. 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. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. 26 Ken Saladin However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. 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. While pet ownership has turned manyunlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends(and cute internet memes), it only takes a moment for instinct to take over and turn a friend into food. This leads to toxins being passed through their kidneys and eventually ending up inside their bodies. Hence people always come with some unique queries. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. 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 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. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Will I get sick? Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. One technique involves cutting the shell and then repairing it following the procedure; the second technique involves making an incision in front of and through the muscles of the pelvis and hind limbs to enter the abdominal cavity. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Its just doing what comes naturally! An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. 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. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. 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. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. 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. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Wiki User. Common UTI Symptoms. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Required fields are marked *. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. 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. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. But, when you do decide to pick up your turtle, be sure to support their weight from underneath and keep a firm grip, so they dont fall and hurt themselves. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. The Surprising Answer( With Video). There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Set up your myVCA account today. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. 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. 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. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Your email address will not be published. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Your email address will not be published. Dont ever bother your turtle when its hiding or resting. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. Urgent need to pee. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. So why did my turtle pee on me? 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. Blisters or . Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Bites from a young turtle will have no major effect on your skin and will certainly not hurt like bites from an adult turtle. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. It depends on how much water you drink. 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 considered aquatic animals, so by all means they can You would probably notice how eager turtles would poop once they got into the water. However, land turtles urinate every day or two. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. 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. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. Observe your pet regularly and figure out when it is most active, what frightens it, and when it appears the most comfortable.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-box-4','ezslot_7',109,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-box-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-box-4','ezslot_8',109,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-box-4-0_1'); .box-4-multi-109{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;}. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. 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. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. 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. 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. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian.

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