Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. 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. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. 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. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. 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. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. Simply put, turtles are dirty. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Blisters or . ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? 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. Just as important, any vet can test an animal for Salmonella. 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 resists, stop petting it immediately. 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. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. The second reason is that they live in water, where pee is kind of hard to see, especially if you take the small quantity that they let out, into consideration. 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. Advertisement. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. Small children handling turtles should be supervised to ensure they dont place them near their eyes or mouths and that they wash their hands afterwards. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. The most important things to do are to provide a healthy diet, a comfortable environment, and regular exercise. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. 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. And do turtles pee is one of them. So, how do turtles pee? The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. Clean up all feces right away. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. Never enter the safe zone! 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. UVB rays cannot penetrate glass, however, so glass tank tops will negate the benefits of any sort of overhead lighting. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. Hence, it hurts when it is released. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. 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). This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. In fact, all turtles pee. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. Manage Settings Since the turtle can't digest the material, it should come out with feces. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. They will also begin associating your presence with something good. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Start gently and gradually. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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 . This will cause a lot more damage than a simple snap. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. 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. Otherwise, leave your turtle alone until she gets used to being touched. The answer is yes! Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Can earthworm pee hurt you. Your email address will not be published. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. 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. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. Coates says that UV-B light is especially important for turtles because it plays a major role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is needed for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. 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. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. 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. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Set up your myVCA account today. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Can box turtle pee hurt you? As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. It is a common problem in reptiles and can be life-threatening. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. 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. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Turtle peeing on you can be quite a nuisance. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. The bite does not cause any real damage, although it can hurt kids with tiny fingers. It depends on how much water you drink. Make sure your turtle feels secureimagine how scary it must feel to be held high in the air with its feet scrambling around! The Surprising Answer( With Video). 26 Ken Saladin Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. 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. However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. Can box turtle pee hurt you? During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Any prolapsed tissue may be viewed by other animals in the same tank as something to eat, and they will readily bite at the exposed tissue. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. Your email address will not be published. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. . Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. Wiki User. Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Blue. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Turtles and water are of course inseparable. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. 10. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. 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. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. It might disgust you to experience your little snapper peeing on you. 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. 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. Read our advice on understanding. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. Orange. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. The yellow color is probably urine. This hormone causes the heart to beat faster and its blood vessels to constrict. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Your email address will not be published. Can turtle pee hurt you? Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? But if you're urinating more than nine times a day, there could be an underlying problem, such as an overactive bladder, UTI . In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. 96 Continue this thread When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. 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. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Check out this post which is one of the most popular of all time. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. You've only seen one page. 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. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Can turtle pee hurt you? Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. So, why is there such a big difference in how turtles react to being picked up? Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. 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. If you are a woman, you are more prone to UTI or urinary tract infection than men. 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. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Answer. Required fields are marked *. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out.