It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. 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. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. I hope this article answered all your questions about turtle pee. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. 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. We have lots more on the site to show you. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. Treatment depends on the cause and ranges from antibiotics, to avoiding irritants to treating the underlying medical problem. (Are They Dangerous? 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. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. 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. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . And a few theories backed it from the behind. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Removal of the stones generally requires surgery plus fluid therapy to prevent kidney damage. 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. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. 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. 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. Changes to your usual vaginal discharge. Second, you can try to train your turtle to urinate in a specific area. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. Home Turtles Why Did My Turtle Pee on Me? While they don't really cuddle or purr, turtles do have . When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. 96 Continue this thread Well take you from why they pee on you, and what is in their pee to avoid it from occurring again. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). This odd ability may have helped them invade salty environments, researchers explained.. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. If you put them down on the floor, they might inch closer and closer to you. Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. Simply make sure that your turtle is provided with a healthy diet, clean water, a well-conditioned tank, and a warm basking spot. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. 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. Turtles are interesting creatures. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Coates adds that every month or two, the entire tank should be drained and thoroughly cleaned. You have diabetes. Are turtles expensive to keep? FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. A common opinion among turtle owners is that turtles pee when picked up because theyre scared. Advertisement. Hermann tortoises and their dietary preferences can be very strange, sometimes tortoises will eat everything that is in front of them (even if they shouldnt) and other times they will become some Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? When turtles get scared, they release a small amount of urine. You shouldnt pick up your pet turtle too quickly; even though he/she seems accustomed to being handled, you never know how much stress this activity causes him/her. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. 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. Orange. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. vent), which is located at the base of their tail (we have discussed it above). Of course, water changes and cleaning should be done on a regular basis. 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. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. Read our advice on understanding. Fluids dilute the yellow pigments in urine. You can get turtles that come with balls, ropes, and many other fun items.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-leader-1','ezslot_13',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-leader-1-0'); These types of toys not only provide entertainment, but they also give your pet something to do. Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. 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. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. In male turtles, the penis (which is a surprisingly large, black organ with a spade-shaped end) may periodically prolapse out of the vent and become visible outside the body when the turtle is stressed or acting sexual, but then it should revert back into the shell easily. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. The most important health rule for turtle keepers is to wash your hands before and after handling your turtle or its habitat. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. (Are They Dangerous?). In turtles, a prolapse occurs when an organ (such as the intestine, cloaca, urinary bladder, uterus, or penis) protrudes from the vent (the opening in the underside of the tail from which the turtle passes droppings). 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. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. Remember that just because your turtle accepts your affection sometimes does not mean that it will always be receptive to human interaction. Another great way to make your turtle more comfortable with you is to use food to develop a relationship. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. As you can see in the picture above the cloaca is basically the turtles butt. 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. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. 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. Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! Understanding these problems will allow you to better care for your pet and minimize future health care issues. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. 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. How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. Hence, it hurts when it is released. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. The bite does not cause any real damage, although it can hurt kids with tiny fingers. However, a few things can affect the appearance of turtle pee. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. 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. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. 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. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. During hibernation, they will stop eating and slow their movements; their metabolism also slows, and their immune system function becomes suppressed. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. But this isnt verified or proven information. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. So turtles do pee, but why dont we see them do it? Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. But with patience and effort, you can build a strong and rewarding bond with your pet. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. 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. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. A baby red eared slider, for example, might be sold when its only four inches long but can be expected to eventually reach 10 to 12 inches in length, says Dr. Jennifer Coates, a veterinarian in Fort Collins, CO. 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. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. Moreover, you can consider bathing your turtle. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. Start gently and gradually. There are a few reasons why your turtle might be peeing on you. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. Can box turtle pee hurt you? The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? This behavior helps turtles bond with each other and shows how much they care for others. So, how do turtles pee? read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. The turtle also may not be getting appropriate ultraviolet light. Both require the experience of a knowledgeable reptile veterinarian. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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 possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. Continue with Recommended Cookies. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Posted July 22, 2018. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. -If your immune system is weak, other health problems may arise. Clean up all feces right away. 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. 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. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. My goal is to share what I have learned over the years through my experience and research about animals of all kinds. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. You shouldn't force yourself to pee if you don't have to for medical reasons. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. 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). You also might have . It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. Do Turtles Pee? However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. Instead, turtles have bladder problems which cause them to relieve themselves by releasing fluids directly onto their skin. Do make sure to read its body language. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Additionally, the amount of urine a box turtle produces can also differ depending on the season. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. Do your research so that you can be sure that you are prepared to care for any animal companion you choose to call your own. The problem with these turtles, or reptiles in general, is that they carry Salmonella. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. In general, turtles urinate less often than other animals because they have a slower metabolism. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. But, in reality, turtles dont have the ability to produce urine. Urgent need to pee. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . Any of these foods can be dusted with calcium powder to provide an extra boost of this vital nutrient. 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. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. 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. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. 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. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. People infected. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. Therefore, its not hazardous if it comes in contact with your skin. Never enter the safe zone! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. This may sound like a silly question, but it gets asked a lot! Your email address will not be published. As with any other pet, caring for turtles requires no small amount of research. 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. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. These simple precautions are simply your best protection againstgetting sick. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. 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. 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. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Many of these children did not exercise proper hygiene (such as washing their hands after handling the turtles and even placing the turtles in their mouths). You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Before purchasing a turtle, check the laws in your municipality regarding legal ownership of pet turtles. Our most recent posts that may interest you: Turtle anatomy is different from ours, but they still have to go to the bathroom. You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. Can earthworm pee hurt you. What do we learn here? There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color.
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