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Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. We have lots more on the site to show you. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Turtles are fun to watch swim around in an aquarium, lazily walk their way across the terrain (e.g., your carpet), or even just chill out on a warm and comfortable rock. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. Also, its a good idea to invest in a vacuum, or even just a simple siphon device made for tanks, which offers a simple way to make a partial water change each time you use itwhich should be at least once a week. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time after handling, feeding your reptile, or cleaning its cage items to help minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. Between feedings, you can sneak some tasty morsels into your pets bowl. But this isnt verified or proven information. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 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. Yes, they do! So, should you pick up a turtle? Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Can turtle pee hurt you? The Surprising Answer( With Video). The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. 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, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Never pick them up by the tail, or try to have a grip on them, theyll quickly feel threatened and end up peeing on you. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. Because taking care of them for the vast majority of my life wasnt fulfilling enough, I decided to begin educating others about them through my articles. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. 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. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. 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. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. While a cat is probably more likely to have the skill to get up and into your turtles enclosure, never underestimate the brute force of an eager and leaping dog, no matter the size. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. Simply put, turtles are dirty. This video was supported by KiwiCo. The answer is yes! 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. 26 Ken Saladin The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. 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. https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/how-turtles-and-tortoises-behave/, https://peteducate.com/do-turtles-get-attached-to-their-owners/. 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. Infected animals and people carry the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their feces, serving as a source of infection to others. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. When a turtle is scared, its body goes into fight-or-flight mode, and it may release the uric acid (a urine-like substance) as a way to defend itself. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. 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. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. The process is just a little different for each species. So, its better to be careful. Dark brown. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. 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. 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. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. If you intend to swap out a former fish tank for your new turtle, its best to invest in a new and more appropriate aquarium lid than the type that comes with fish tanks. 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. by leaving a tip. Orange. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Run the water Turn on the faucet in. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. Can turtle pee hurt you? Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. Thick urine in men and women. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. Your email address will not be published. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. 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. Infected animals and people carry the bacteria in their gastrointestinal tracts and shed the bacteria in their feces, serving as a source of infection to others. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. 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. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. The yellow color is probably urine. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. Even if using the cloaca is less exhausting for the turtle, in normal circumstances a turtle wont be able to survive for long periods of time using only the cloaca. They love the water. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. 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. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. 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. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. 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. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. 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? 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. 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. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. If so, youre not alone! You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. 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. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. 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. And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. So, lets continue. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. You have diabetes. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Are turtles expensive to keep? They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. 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. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. 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. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. And do turtles pee is one of them. 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. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. 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. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? Most of the turtles for sale as pets require both aquatic and terrestrial environments within their tank, and special attention needs to be paid to water quality. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Can box turtle pee hurt you? 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. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. Will turtle pee hurt you? Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. 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. 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. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Start gently and gradually. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Can turtle pee hurt you? As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. Its true! Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. 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. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. Coates says that UV-B light is especially important for turtles because it plays a major role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is needed for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Lastly, if your turtle is still peeing on you, it may be a sign of a health problem. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. Required fields are marked *. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. 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. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Can turtle pee hurt you? Do make sure to read its body language. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. 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.