In captivity, if the photoperiod (daytime length) is kept at 12-14 hours and the environmental conditions stay warm, then turtles typically do not hibernate. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? 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. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. 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? On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You also might have . And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. 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. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! 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. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. Green. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. Manage Settings And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. . Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. 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. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. by leaving a tip. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. Do turtles pee? This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . The process is just a little different for each species. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. Lastly, turtles have a natural reflex that causes them to urinate when their abdomen is stimulated. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. Any of these foods can be dusted with calcium powder to provide an extra boost of this vital nutrient. You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Digging and moving around in the aquarium are also positive behaviors that mean your turtle is happy. 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. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. 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. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. 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. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. 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. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. 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. 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 you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. 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. With enough time and patience, your turtle will learn to associate that area with urinating and will start to use it as their designated bathroom spot. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Hence, it hurts when it is released. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Turtles are interesting creatures. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. 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. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. Turtles are aware of their owners. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. 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. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. 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. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to 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. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. 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 your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. 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. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. Urinary tract infection. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. 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. (Are They Dangerous?). Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Your pet turtle should feel safe imagine how terrifying it would be to be held high above ground while struggling to get back down to safety. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. Lets start with the cloaca. 96 Continue this thread All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. So why did my turtle pee on me? So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Will turtle pee hurt you? Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. 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. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Can turtle pee hurt you? Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. 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. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. 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. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. 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. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. 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.. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. 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. They often follow their owners around the house with their heads down, looking at them intently.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{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:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! So, yes! vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. What do we learn here? Never enter the safe zone! If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. 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). However, someone who owns a turtle and can no longer care for it might think that theres a perfect spot in a nearby pond or forest that would be just the place for a turtle. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Its just doing what comes naturally! Your email address will not be published. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. ). Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? So, now you know why do turtles pee when picked up. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? https://www.quora.com/Why-do-turtles-urinate-when-you-pick-them-up-for-short-periods-of-time#:~:text=They%20urinate%20because%20they%20are,so%20far%20from%20the%20ground.&text=Because%20you%20scared%20the%20piss,they%20withdraw%20into%20their%20shells. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible.

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