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. While controversial, most veterinarians feel it is best to try to prevent captive red-eared sliders from hibernating, since hibernation is very stressful on the body, and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest themselves during the immunocompromise that accompanies hibernation. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. So asking yourself if they drink water is quite understandable, especially since they spend most of their time in the water, where it can be quite hard to see what they do. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. 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;}. Because taking care of them for the vast majority of my life wasnt fulfilling enough, I decided to begin educating others about them through my articles. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Turtles also exhibit affection through touching and grooming behaviors. Posted July 22, 2018. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. 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. 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. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. 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. Green. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. 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. . The answer to this question is a bit complicated. We have lots more on the site to show you. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. 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. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Turtles are aware of their owners. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet that may be too high in protein and fat or may be imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. In susceptible people and animals, salmonellosis can cause severe gastrointestinal disease, with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping, fever, or septicemia (blood infection). While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. 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 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. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. (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. So, how do turtles pee? link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. 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. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. (Are They Dangerous?). Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. Start gently and gradually. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. 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. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . 96 Continue this thread Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. While turtles generally don't go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. Your email address will not be published. 3. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. 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. 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. However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. Wiki User. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. They love the water. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. 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. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). 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. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. 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. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. 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. So, do turtles pee when scared? You have diabetes. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Do make sure to read its body language. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! But straining that hard is an indication of a serious problem He may have an intestinal blockage, and straining can cause him to have an intestinal prolapse when part of the intestine comes out of the cloaca/anus. You also might have . Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. 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. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. You've only seen one page. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. 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. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Yes, they do! Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. 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. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. Answer. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. In fact, all turtles pee. 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. Turtles need a platform to stand on. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. 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. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. And Coates adds, depending on your turtles species, its diet, and your set-up, you may also need to provide a calcium and vitamin D supplement. This may be because warts are often found on the hands and feet, the same body parts that come into contact with turtles. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Even if you opt for a screen top for your tank, its best if the cells of that screen are as wide as possible to allow ample UVB lightto reach the turtle. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Blue. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. What are the health hazards of dog urine? Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. 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). One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? People infected. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. 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. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. So why did my turtle pee on me? (Are They Dangerous? 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. Dark brown. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. Urinary tract infection. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. While pet ownership has turned manyunlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends(and cute internet memes), it only takes a moment for instinct to take over and turn a friend into food. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. It depends on how much water you drink. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Simply put, turtles are dirty. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. 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. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. 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? Will I get sick? The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Normal urine has a mild transparent . Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Your email address will not be published. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Lastly, turtles have a natural reflex that causes them to urinate when their abdomen is stimulated. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. 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. 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. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. And do turtles pee is one of them. Can earthworm pee hurt you. But before you do, there are a few things you should know. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. 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. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild.

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