However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. 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. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Your email address will not be published. Some owners feed their turtlesin a separate area to avoid this from happening. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Turtles releasing their pee on you is one of their defensive measures against the invasive move. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. 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. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Given that you have a turtle that youre not sure about picking up, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid it. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Depending on their natural habitat different turtle species are able to get more air through their cloaca than other species, and this is to be expected. 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. Read our advice on understanding. This video was supported by KiwiCo. 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, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Clean up all feces right away. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. A good idea for reducing stress related to handling is to create a safe zone in your turtles aquarium where it can hide and find comfort. If you come across a turtle on the ground or have one yourself, you may be tempted to pick it up. Orange. 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. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. While a cat is probably more likely to have the skill to get up and into your turtles enclosure, never underestimate the brute force of an eager and leaping dog, no matter the size. Turtle Pee Can Be Lethal! 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. Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Bites from a young turtle will have no major effect on your skin and will certainly not hurt like bites from an adult turtle. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. 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. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. 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. 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 best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . Yes, they do! If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Hissing expels air while urinating and defecating allow more space for your turtle to withdraw into its shell. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. So, lets continue. Your pet turtle should have some kind of resting spot, whether that means holding onto your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can grab. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. 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. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. . While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. 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 regular color of urine varies. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. 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. In the water, shed skin appears as a whitish, "fuzzy" substance coming off the skin that is sometimes mistaken for fungus or other disease. 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. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. We dont know many things about them yet or arent sure. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. Your email address will not be published. Dysuria means you feel pain or a burning sensation when you pee (urinate). Wiki User. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. 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. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. 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. 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. 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 answer is yes! The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. Turtles are interesting creatures. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Your email address will not be published. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. The Surprising Answer( With Video). But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Is this harmful to me? Also, you can try to handle your turtle less. Can A Turtle Pee on You? Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. 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. There are a few main aspects of survival that are essential to turtles, and if you can take care of these needs, youll be well on your way to creating a close relationship with your turtle. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. 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. 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. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This will help your pet get used to your presence. They love the water. 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. You might just adore your turtles so much that you tend to pet them so frequently that it stresses them out. So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. If you have any questions left, please feel free to leave them in the comment section and I will answer them as soon as possible. If your turtle does stop eating and you are concerned that it may be ill, be sure to schedule a checkup with your veterinarian. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Lets start with the cloaca. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. While turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell, they generally dont do so on a regular basis. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. Since most turtles that carry Salmonella are not ill, they usually require no treatment. Full thickness shedding of skin, leaving raw or bleeding areas, is clearly abnormal and may be a sign of a bacterial or fungal infection, hypovitaminosis A (vitamin A deficiency), burn, or trauma. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Turtles pee can carry high levels of urea. Do Turtles Pee? Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. 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. Dark brown. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. So, do turtles pee when scared? How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? One theory proposes that turtles are ectotherms, meaning they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. When it comes to filtration, it is recommended that you opt for a turtle tank filter system that is strong enough to filter a tank twice the size of yours. You also might have . If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. 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. It depends on how much water you drink. Do make sure to read its body language. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. Can turtle pee hurt you? If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Your email address will not be published. The first several times you handle your pet turtle, you should only hold it for a few seconds. However, land turtles urinate every day or two. Can box turtle pee hurt you? For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. If you can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. 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. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! 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. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. 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. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Therefore, its worth noting that box turtles arent the only turtles that pee. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. Therefore, when you suspect your turtle has a health problem, take them to the vet for a check-up. (Are They Dangerous?). This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. When a turtle has cystic calculi, there may be blood in its droppings. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. It is likely based on the individual personalities. Never enter the safe zone! The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. 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. In general, an unhappy turtle is a lazy turtle. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. 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. 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. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. Usually, turtle pee doesnt stink or smell bad. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. 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. Blisters or . Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. 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. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/how-turtles-and-tortoises-behave/, https://peteducate.com/do-turtles-get-attached-to-their-owners/. For example, sea turtles only urinate every few months because they live in saltwater. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. Also, their bladder is located near their tail, and picking them up can put pressure on their bladder and cause them to release urine. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Once your turtle is comfortable eating from your hand, try lightly petting its neck and head while it eats. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. Required fields are marked *. Affiliate of Mars Inc. 2023 | Copyright VCA Animal Hospitals all rights reserved. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Looking for a convenient way to access your pets health records, refill prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and more? Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Your email address will not be published. In fact, all turtles pee. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. However, turtles dont have an anus, so all of their waste leaves their body through the cloaca. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Use a filter to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. 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. Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. While the natural instincts of turtles would probably kick in, a turtle that has been captive most or all of its life will not have the keen hunting skills of a wild one. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. We have lots more on the site to show you. 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 .