If youve ever held a turtle in your hand and felt a warm, damp spot, theres a good chance that your turtle has peed on you. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. 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). They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. Excessive algal growth on the shell that penetrates the shell surface may require medical attention from a veterinarian. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. 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. Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. 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. 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. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. 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. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. 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. 3. Pick them up with both hands with as little pressure as you can, keep in mind that their shells are living tissue, therefore they are sensitive. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. 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 guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. So, should you pick up a turtle? So, lets continue. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. 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. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. 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? You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. 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. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. 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. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. 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 you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. 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. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. 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. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. You've only seen one page. Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. 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. 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. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Although turtles are certainly not the only reptiles that can carry Salmonella, most turtles carry the infection asymptomatically, in that they do not show signs of illness. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Do turtles pee? They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Can turtle pee hurt you? A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. . This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It is likely based on the individual personalities. (Are They Dangerous? Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Box Turtle vs Painted Turtle - What is the Difference. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS). Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. If you need to rehome a turtle, there are any number of internet groups and organizations that might be able to help find a suitable new family for it (see related links below). It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. As with any pet, its best to opt for a larger enclosure than to find yourself stuck with one thats too small. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. If so, youre not alone! Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. 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. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Lastly, if your turtle is still peeing on you, it may be a sign of a health problem. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. 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. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. The cloaca works in a similar way to the lungs, when the turtle is inside the water the cloaca will act like a pump that will suck water inside and after it gathers all the oxygen from it, it will expel the water out, and then it will start over. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. 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. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time after handling, feeding your reptile, or cleaning its cage items to help minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. Try to avoid frequent and excessive handling of your turtle. 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. Do your research so that you can be sure that you are prepared to care for any animal companion you choose to call your own. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. The resulting stream of urine can sometimes startle the predator and give the turtle the opportunity it needs to run. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Hence, it hurts when it is released. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. 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. A lot of predators have a very sensible smell and based on the smell of their prey they can decide if its a good meal or not. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. It is caused by a variety of factors. Dont ever bother your turtle when its hiding or resting. Do make sure to read its body language. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. But while many turtles appreciate gentle strokes, others wont tolerate any contact at all. 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. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. 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. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Required fields are marked *. Hence people always come with some unique queries. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Manage Settings Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to. And do turtles pee is one of them. Its best for your turtle to have something to rest their feet on, whether thats your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can hold. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. (Are They Dangerous?). Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! 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. 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. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. 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. The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Posted July 22, 2018. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. Green. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ). Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. Urea is a waste product produced when the body breaks down protein. 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. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. They will lay out under the. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. But no, this is never a good idea. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. Its true! (Are They Dangerous? Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Lets start with the cloaca. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Can box turtle pee hurt you? link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? Turtles also exhibit affection through touching and grooming behaviors. The answer is yes! If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. Digging and moving around in the aquarium are also positive behaviors that mean your turtle is happy. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. And if a snapping turtle bites you this way, the danger is even bigger due to their sharp beaks that can cut through the meat the more they maintain the bite. 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. 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. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. 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. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. A veterinarian uses a physical examination, blood tests, and radiographs (X-rays) to help diagnose the cause of the dystocia and to determine whether medical and/or surgical procedures are best indicated in treating these animals. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. 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. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. You also might have . Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Home Turtles Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Turtles are aware of their owners. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. 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. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Your email address will not be published. Thick urine in men and women. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. Keep any enclosure back from the edges of shelves, tables, or bureaus, and secure cords going to and from lights, heaters, and filters to avoid both tripping and curious mouths. If your turtle snaps, bites, or hisses, thats a pretty clear indication that you should take a step back and work on bonding with your pet another time. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. But this isnt verified or proven information. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. 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. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Any animal lover would recoil at the prospect of leaving a cat or dog to its own devices in the wild. 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. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. 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. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. 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. So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. Turtles are fun to watch swim around in an aquarium, lazily walk their way across the terrain (e.g., your carpet), or even just chill out on a warm and comfortable rock. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red.
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