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. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. 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. Can earthworm pee hurt you? - Answers They feel the need to defend themselves thus peeing on you would make you put them back down on the ground where they feel much more secure. Are Red Eared Sliders Dangerous? - AquaticPals Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. For instance, touching, picking them up or just constant tapping on the glass of the tank is enough to leave them distressed. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. Never enter the safe zone! 7 Reasons Why It Might Hurt to PeeAnd How to Fix It - Health As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. Hence, it hurts when it is released. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. 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? Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. Why some turtles breathe through their butts - upi.com Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. 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. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Will I get sick? And a few theories backed it from the behind. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. The needed frequency of this will depend on the size of your tank and whether or not you use a separate tank at mealtimes, but you should change the water before it becomes dirty or foul smelling. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. Just be sure to use warm water and avoid getting water in their nose or eyes. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. 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. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. 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. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. So why did my turtle pee on me? This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. While sunlight will provide all the ultraviolet light a turtle needs in the wild, its not enough to simply have your enclosure near a sunlit window. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. So, do turtles pee when scared? Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Can sea turtles hurt or harm humans? - Answers 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. 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. 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. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. (Are They Dangerous? Urinary tract infection. 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. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . 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. 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). Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Your email address will not be published. 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. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. So, yes! Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? The answer is yes! Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. 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. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. 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. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. They will lay out under the. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Will turtle pee hurt you? If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Can turtle pee hurt you? If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. 3 Ways to Prevent Your Penis from Retracting - Expand Penis The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. Is a softshell turtle aggressive? - Daily Justnow Why Do Turtles Pee On You? (Is This Normal?) - AnimalBrite.com At this point, your penis should not turtle. Your email address will not be published. Straining to Urinate: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment - HoneyReads Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. Read our advice on understanding. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 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. Is Dog Urine Harmful to Humans? Answers You Should Know - PetDT 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. Hence people always come with some unique queries. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. 10. Your email address will not be published. Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. Whether turtle, tortoise or terrapin, a pet with four legs and a shell can make for a fine companion. 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. 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. Dog urine can contain ammonia and bacteria that can irritate the sinuses, lungs, and eyes and cause respiratory issues. The Surprising Answer( With Video). When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. 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. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. Its consistency may be moderate, liquid or dry, and depends on the amount consumed by a person fluid, climatic conditions, violations of the functional activity of the urinary organs. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. 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. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Nursingpets.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. Start gently and gradually. 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. Seven Things Not to Do To Your Turtle - PetMD While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. 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. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? Is it OK to touch a sea turtle? - Global FAQ As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. by leaving a tip. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. Set up your myVCA account today. 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. The answer is yes! 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. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. Required fields are marked *. When it comes to filtration, it is recommended that you opt for a turtle tank filter system that is strong enough to filter a tank twice the size of yours. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. Thick urine in men and women - Medical diagnosis So, lets continue. 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. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. . This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. Do Turtles Pee? The Surprising Answer( With Video) Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Can turtle pee hurt you? Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. Other contributing factors include the age and physical condition of the animal, injury to or physical obstruction of the reproductive tract from deformed or oversized eggs, physical abnormalities within the reproductive tract or pelvis, infections, constipation, abscesses, or other masses. This will help your pet get used to your presence. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. 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. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Do tortoises diaphragm? - Daily Justnow But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. This video was supported by KiwiCo. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. 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. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. Your email address will not be published. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. 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. Why Did My Turtle Pee On Me & How To Stop It) - Reptiles Are Awesome With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. Turtles need a platform to stand on. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. 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;}. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. Normal urine has a mild transparent . They will drown in a tank of water. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. The process is just a little different for each species. Your email address will not be published. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. It depends on how much water you drink. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. Urine color - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic - Mayo Clinic It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. But, when you do decide to pick up your turtle, be sure to support their weight from underneath and keep a firm grip, so they dont fall and hurt themselves.