Simply put, turtles are dirty. This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. 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. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. 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 video was supported by KiwiCo. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. They can also spin around quickly or even lunge. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Is turtle Pee harmful to humans? Run the water Turn on the faucet in. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. 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. Do turtles pee? Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. Can turtle pee hurt you? Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. But no, this is never a good idea. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. Turtles express their love through eye contact rather than physical touch. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. 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. Clean up all feces right away. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. Answer. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 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. 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. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. . Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. 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. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. The resulting stream of urine can sometimes startle the predator and give the turtle the opportunity it needs to run. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! 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. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. The Surprising Answer( With Video). Cloudy white. Can A Turtle Pee on You? And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? 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. 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. With enough time and patience, your turtle will learn to associate that area with urinating and will start to use it as their designated bathroom spot. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. What do we learn here? Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. So, why do turtles pee when picked up? I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. Start gently and gradually. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. 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. Posted July 22, 2018. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. Not only is it illegal to keep most native turtle species as pets, but it's almost impossible to provide habitat where the turtle can thrive. 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. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. 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. Commonly called bladder stones, cystic calculi occur when minerals from the diet form crystals in the urine, which then stick together and form stones. The cloaca is located at the base of the tail, and urine is passed through it using muscular contractions. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. 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. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. It is likely based on the individual personalities. Wiki User. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? 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. 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. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Your email address will not be published. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. Can turtle pee hurt 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. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. 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. 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. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). Required fields are marked *. Not all turtles that use their cloaca for breathing are able to achieve such long periods underwater, but they are able to spend a lot more time than they would have without the cloaca. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. When you pick them up out of their consciousness, it startles them, making them pee on you as they are frightened of the sudden touching and lifting. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. 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. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. 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). So, lets continue. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. Generally, a temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit is good. Orange. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. 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. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Any prolapsed tissue represents a potentially life-threatening problem that should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. So, how do turtles pee? But this isnt verified or proven information. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. But some people argue that even in such situations we have plenty to drink, as long as we don't turn up our noses at it. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. Your email address will not be published. Blue. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? We have lots more on the site to show you. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Here are the links to our most recent posts that may interest you: As we mentioned before, there are a number of theories regarding why turtles pee when picked up. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. They love the water. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. 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. 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 . While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. 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. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. It is caused by a variety of factors. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. 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. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. This leads to toxins being passed through their kidneys and eventually ending up inside their bodies. 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 urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. (Are They Dangerous?). 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. Today I saw a painted turtle in the road and moved him. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. 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. With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. The skin of turtles periodically (and normally) sheds off in pieces. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? 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;}. Similarly, a turtle with gastrointestinal parasites and diarrhea may strain to defecate and prolapse part of the large intestine or the cloaca (the common chamber into which the gastrointestinal, reproductive, and urinary tracts empty) out of the vent. Read our advice on understanding. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. Despite the lack of scientific evidence, the belief is widespread. At this point, your penis should not turtle. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/how-turtles-and-tortoises-behave/, https://peteducate.com/do-turtles-get-attached-to-their-owners/. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. 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. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. They will drown in a tank of water. Urgent need to pee. Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. They will lay out under the. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. 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 before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. This will happen because your turtle will think that you are a predator and that you are trying to eat it. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. Common UTI Symptoms. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. Its true! All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. Required fields are marked *. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. 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.