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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. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. The process is just a little different for each species. 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. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. 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. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Dont keep them too long in your hands, being gripped is unnatural for them, so it is quicker for them to be in a defensive mode. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. So, lets continue. 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. Urinary tract infection. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. 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. . 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. We have lots more on the site to show you. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. 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). 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? (Are They Dangerous? Green. Your email address will not be published. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! Start gently and gradually. 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. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. If you provide this regularly, then they will learn to expect it at any given moment. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Heres a detailed article that may interest you: Why Do Turtles Pee When Picked Up? They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. Simply put, turtles are dirty. by leaving a tip. Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. 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. Wiki User. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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). 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. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. 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. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. 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. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 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. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. Blisters or . (Are They Dangerous?). Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). 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. 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. If so, youre not alone! Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Can A Turtle Pee on You? Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. TurtleOwner.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. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Set up your myVCA account today. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Turtles need a platform to stand on. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 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. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Are turtles expensive to keep? Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. So, do turtles pee when scared? 10. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. 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 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. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. Pick them up with both hands with as little pressure as you can, keep in mind that their shells are living tissue, therefore they are sensitive. Clean up all feces right away. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it. This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. This will help your pet get used to your presence. (Are They Dangerous?). But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. 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. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. It depends on how much water you drink. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? 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. 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. This leads to toxins being passed through their kidneys and eventually ending up inside their bodies. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. Find out yours. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your turtle to urinate more frequently. While turtles generally dont go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. If you're always looking for the bathroom because you have to pee upwards of eight times a day and it's not just uncomfortable but hurts . Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Never enter the safe zone! Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. 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;}. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. 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. Already have a myVCA account? However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! Your email address will not be published. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. And do turtles pee is one of them. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. 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. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. Common UTI Symptoms. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Thick urine in men and women. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. So, should you pick up a turtle? Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Turtles are interesting creatures. Its true! Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. 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. 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. 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. Never enter the safe zone! However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. The regular color of urine varies. And a few theories backed it from the behind. You have diabetes. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Your email address will not be published. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. 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. At this point, your penis should not turtle. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. 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. 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. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. Lets start with the cloaca. 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. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Do Turtles Pee? Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). 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. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. But no, this is never a good idea. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Cloudy white. Do make sure to read its body language. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. 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. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Yes, you read it right. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. . 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. The answer is yes! 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. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). No, turtles do not pee in their shell. They will drown in a tank of water. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. Answer. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. 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. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise 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. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly.