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. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. They will lay out under the. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. If you have any questions left, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible. But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. 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.. 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;}. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. 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. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. 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. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Not only is it illegal to keep most native turtle species as pets, but it's almost impossible to provide habitat where the turtle can thrive. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! 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. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. This will help your pet get used to your presence. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. 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. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. While the natural instincts of turtles would probably kick in, a turtle that has been captive most or all of its life will not have the keen hunting skills of a wild one. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. The Surprising Answer( With Video). This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. 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. 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. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. So, yes! And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. You also might have . Turtles who are used to handling usually won't release any body fluids while you handle them, but if they are young or not used to people, it's going to happen. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. 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. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. Turtles pee can carry high levels of urea. Blisters or . This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. 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. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . 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. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. So, do turtles pee when scared? Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. Do turtles pee? Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . 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. You've only seen one page. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. 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. 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. 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. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. (Are They Dangerous?). And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. But this isnt verified or proven information. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Use a filter to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. . Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. Answer. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. 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). As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Do make sure to read its body language. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 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. . In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. 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? Can box turtle pee hurt you? Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Dont ever bother your turtle when its hiding or resting. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. 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. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. 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. The yellow color is probably urine. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . Advertisement. 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. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Start gently and gradually. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. Can turtle pee hurt you? Lastly, if your turtle is still peeing on you, it may be a sign of a health problem. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. So, its better to be careful. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Never enter the safe zone! Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. 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. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . Your email address will not be published. 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. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Can turtle pee hurt you? Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. If you provide this regularly, then they will learn to expect it at any given moment. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. Turtles are aware of their owners. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. 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? . By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! We have lots more on the site to show you. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. Required fields are marked *. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. Thick urine in men and women. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. Full thickness shedding of skin, leaving raw or bleeding areas, is clearly abnormal and may be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency), burn, or trauma. Do Turtles Pee? They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle.