If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. (Are They Dangerous? You've only seen one page. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. So, why do turtles pee when picked up? On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. 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. As we mentioned earlier, Salmonella is a serious disease. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. 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. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Can turtle pee hurt you? After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. Start gently and gradually. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. Will turtle pee hurt you? Coates warns that obesity and hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease) are two conditions that are related to overfeeding pet turtles. Thick urine in men and women. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. 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. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . This kind of thing can also be a deliberate defensive mea. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. 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). Also, a turtle may urinate more often when it is hot outside and sweating a lot. 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. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. If you don't have young children, turtles can be great pets, but they require extra care to avoid passing salmonella to your kids. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Your email address will not be published. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Turtles are aware of their owners. 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. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Any turtle whose shell is abnormal should be checked by a veterinarian so that appropriate treatment, as well as correction of environmental factors, can be initiated. 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. 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. Read our advice on understanding. Here you will also find countless interesting turtle facts about turtles, tortoises, terrapins and sea turtles. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. First, keep your turtles aquarium warm. 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. In all circumstances, the decision to own a pet, turtle or otherwise, is not something that should be taken lightly. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. Your turtle certainly wont grow to adulthood overnight, but its bound to occur faster than you would think. 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. 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. Do Turtles Pee? While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. 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. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. 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. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. 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. This can cause by several reasons like the food theyre eating (fish), your turtles may suffering from dehydration or infection. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? They won't hurt you unless you provoke them. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. In most turtle species, females will grow quite a bit larger than males, so this is also important to consider, she adds. Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Do turtles pee? The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. While its hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. Yes, they do! So, do turtles pee when scared? Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. Also, its a good idea to invest in a vacuum, or even just a simple siphon device made for tanks, which offers a simple way to make a partial water change each time you use itwhich should be at least once a week. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! Never enter the safe zone! They too would like some space of their own and have peace of mind, if not they might pee on you as a sign of distress as soon as you pick them up. Set up your myVCA account today. 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). However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. For example, red eared sliders tend to do best with a water temperatures of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. 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. As a result, the turtles body dumps all of its stored urine from the bladder. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. Holding your breath while urinating or pushing with your abdominal muscles to speed up the process won't hurt you if you do it once in a while, but if this is an everyday habit, it may weaken your bladder, says Jenny Archer, PT, DPT, a pelvic floor therapist based in Nashville, Tennessee. 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. Continue with Recommended Cookies. At this point, your penis should not turtle. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Turtles need a platform to stand on. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. 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. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. Blue. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The pee they released on you isnt actually urine. Patience and regular interactions with your pet turtle are the best way to ensure he/she grows accustomed to handling. 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. Can box turtle pee hurt you? Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. Also, any manageable disease that a turtle might pick up in captivity can run rampant and unchecked if its released into the wild. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. 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. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. We have lots more on the site to show you. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. 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. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? 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. This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. 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. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Its best to wait until your turtle chooses to enter an open space where it can eat and socialize. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. A good opportunity to handle your pet turtle is when its getting some sun. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. 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. 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. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. In fact, its almost odorless. The team also found that the turtles carry a gene that produces a specialized protein that. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. Advertisement. . As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. Urine will contain lots of things that plants like such as water and nitrates, which can act like fertilizers. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. Turtles process urination as they consume liquid. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. 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. Young turtles may not be strong enough to break your skin, but those with a sharp beak would probably cause harm. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. So why did my turtle pee on me? Will I get sick? Some people may have believed that turtles pee out of their mouths because of a scene in the popular movie Finding Nemo. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a glass of water. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. While they are generally discerning, it is possible your turtle will eat something they shouldn't. These could include small pieces of plastic, fabric or any other material. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. 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. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. 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. The answer is yes! I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. 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. Splashing around in the water and basking regularly are some other signs of a happy turtle. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. Posted July 22, 2018. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Yes, turtles can urinate on us but not because they want to get rid of their waste products. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Its just doing what comes naturally! This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. You can slowly introduce this behavior over several days. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. 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. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. Heck, that was probably where our first encounter with turtles was, near the waters. Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. 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. Run the water Turn on the faucet in. Its true! (Are They Dangerous? In fact, all turtles pee. During the mid-1970s, some young children contracted Salmonella from their pet turtles. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. 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. The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. He peed all over me. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. Stand nearby your tank while slowly moving around and this will help your pet get used to your presence. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. As for the situations where you would need to touch them, remember these three reminders: The key is in handling them and the deliberate pressure you put on them. 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. Can turtle pee hurt you? 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. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. 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. Turtles are interesting creatures. 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. 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.
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