If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Would you let a turtle pee on you? - Quora They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. Wait! Don't Touch That Turtle - The Alternative Daily 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. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. 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. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. 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. However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. 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. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. Blue. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. 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. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. 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. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. Put a heat light also. 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. 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. 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. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. How to (Safely) Move a Turtle across the Road read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. Any of these foods can be dusted with calcium powder to provide an extra boost of this vital nutrient. 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. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. It has the potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into contact with you so you have to be very carefulif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Thats why its important to alwayswash your hands after handling your turtle, If your turtle has peed on you and you want to stop this behavior carry on reading, If you want your turtle to stop peeing on you its very simple, If you have to handle your turtle, do it in a gentle and calm way. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. If so, youre not alone! Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. And a few theories backed it from the behind. 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. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . Is a softshell turtle aggressive? - Daily Justnow Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Can turtle pee hurt you? Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. In fact, its almost odorless. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is Turtle Pee Harmful to Humans? - Small Pets 101 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. 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. 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. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . I've been a turtle and tortoise owner for 10 years, during which I gained a lot of experience and information, and now I want to share them with everybody that is curious or it's looking for help. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Turtles arent likely to escape a well-managed enclosure, so if you can rig things up properly, you might not need a lid at all. Common UTI Symptoms. 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. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. 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;}. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. Its true! So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Do box turtles have bacteria? - Sage-Answer Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. Can A Turtle Pee on You? Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Required fields are marked *. 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. Start gently and gradually. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella 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. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. (Are They Dangerous? Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. 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. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. tortoise won't poop - EMERGENCY CARE - Turtle Forum The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. Are mississippi map turtles aggressive? - Vote For Bell Is it OK to touch a sea turtle? - Global FAQ Instead, they will only do so if they are ill or trying to conserve water. Legislation was then passed in the United States making it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. 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? So, its better to be careful. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. 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.. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Mouth-Peeing and 5 Other Extreme Turtle Traits - YouTube When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. 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.