If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around 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. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Already have a myVCA account? 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. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. 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. If so, youre not alone! Will I get sick? We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. 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. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. What are the health hazards of dog urine? Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. 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. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. 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. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. Its just doing what comes naturally! The answer is yes! After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. 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. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. 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. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. 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. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. 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. Your email address will not be published. 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. Read our advice on understanding. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. 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. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. 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). If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. A lot of predators have a very sensible smell and based on the smell of their prey they can decide if its a good meal or not. 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. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. 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. Cloudy white. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. 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. In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. Home Turtles Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. They will lay out under the. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. 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. This will help your pet get used to your presence. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. 26 Ken Saladin Will turtle pee hurt you? But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. The yellow color is probably urine. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. Answer. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. Turtles pee can carry high levels of urea. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. Urgent need to pee. . If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . The process is just a little different for each species. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. So, yes! Find out yours. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. 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. 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. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. Posted July 22, 2018. 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. 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. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. This will help your pet get used to your presence. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. Your email address will not be published. It is likely based on the individual personalities. Digging and moving around in the aquarium are also positive behaviors that mean your turtle is happy. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. You have diabetes. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. This video was supported by KiwiCo. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. It is caused by a variety of factors. Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? 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. We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Can A Turtle Pee on You? Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. 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. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Never enter the safe zone! While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Lets start with the cloaca. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. 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. Other contributing factors include the age and physical condition of the animal, injury to or physical obstruction of the reproductive tract from deformed or oversized eggs, physical abnormalities within the reproductive tract or pelvis, infections, constipation, abscesses, or other masses. 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. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. 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. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . 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. Turtles are interesting creatures. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. 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. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. If he does, then give him a few light pats. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Common UTI Symptoms. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. 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. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking.