It is caused by a variety of factors. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. So, lets continue. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Do Turtles Pee? Wiki User. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. Never enter the safe zone! They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. Wait! Don't Touch That Turtle - The Alternative Daily This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. Why You Have UTI Symptoms After Taking Antibiotics - Verywell Health Your email address will not be published. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. 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. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Do turtles bite? How Dangerous Can Turtle Bites Be? When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? 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. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. If you're always looking for the bathroom because you have to pee upwards of eight times a day and it's not just uncomfortable but hurts . Heres a detailed article that may interest you: Why Do Turtles Pee When Picked Up? Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. And a few theories backed it from the behind. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Start gently and gradually. 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. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. Can turtle pee hurt you? Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. The answer is yes! 8 Best Heat Lamp For Alligators - Power LED Lights Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Lets start with the cloaca. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. 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. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 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. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. Is Dog Urine Harmful to Humans? Answers You Should Know - PetDT 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. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. It is likely based on the individual personalities. 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. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. How to Pee Properly, and 9 Mistakes to Avoid for Better - livestrong A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. 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 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. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. Turtles are aware of their owners. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. 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. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! 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. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Your email address will not be published. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. It depends on how much water you drink. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. Can turtle pee hurt you? Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. And its perfectly natural for turtles to let out a little urine when theyre feeling stressed, excited, or scared. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Would you let a turtle pee on you? - Quora Quick Answer: Urine Burns When Dehydrated - BikeHike Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. How Big Does A Turtle Get? (Here's What People Don't Know) Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Posted July 22, 2018. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Thick urine in men and women. For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Mouth-Peeing and 5 Other Extreme Turtle Traits - YouTube Why Does It Hurt When I Pee? - 8 Reasons for Painful Urination - Prevention Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Required fields are marked *. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. This will help your pet get used to your presence. 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. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Why Does My Turtle Pee On Me? - Reptiles Are Awesome When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. 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. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? 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. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. Normal urine has a mild transparent . A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. 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. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. 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. 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. While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. This will help your pet get used to your presence. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Blue. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. Orange. These include rubbing their heads and necks against their owner, licking faces, and even biting. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Why Do Turtles Pee When Picked Up? - Nursing Pets Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. 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. Reasons It Hurts to Pee - WebMD However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. The regular color of urine varies. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. this is highly unlikely however if you make a sea turtle upset or angry or make it feel endangered it most likely will try to bite or do something to youno I was bitten on the back of the head. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. This will help to remove any bacteria that may be causing your turtle to urinate more frequently. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. They have a well-developed urinary system, and they excrete waste through their cloaca (a.k.a. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Advertisement. 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. Start gently and gradually. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. In fact, all turtles pee. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Urgent need to pee. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. Green algae growing on the outside of the shell occurs commonly and can be cleaned off with periodic brushing of the shell with disinfectant cleaners. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. At this point, your penis should not turtle. (Are They Dangerous? Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. You also might have . Required fields are marked *. 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). Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. 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. While turtles generally dont go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water.