Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. However, land turtles urinate every day or two. 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. 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. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. Salts also accumulate in the plant's leaves, potentially causing . Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. This happens because excess sugar can build up in your blood . Can turtle pee hurt you? Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. 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. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! If youve ever held a turtle in your hand and felt a warm, damp spot, theres a good chance that your turtle has peed on you. They often follow their owners around the house with their heads down, looking at them intently.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_9',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'reptileshere_com-banner-1','ezslot_10',110,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-banner-1-0_1'); .banner-1-multi-110{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:7px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:7px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. 7 yr. ago Most turtles that cross the roads in Texas are red ears. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. (Are They Dangerous?). Its true! Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. It's likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. 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. 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. ). 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. And there is the same threat of Salmonella infection from turtles to other pets as there is to humans (see the previous slide). With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. You might not realize it, but turtling can be a result of problems with your enlargement routine. The protective shell of a turtle makes surgery difficult. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? So, the answer is yes, red-eared slider turtles do pee. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. Read our advice on understanding. However, these tests only show infection if they are shedding the bacteria in their stool at that time.. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The first one is that turtles are really small, so they will have a bladder of appropriate size. Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. Urinary tract infection. Build a consistent routine by feeding your turtle at the same time everyday. Its consistency may be moderate, liquid or dry, and depends on the amount consumed by a person fluid, climatic conditions, violations of the functional activity of the urinary organs. Offer him some pumpkin to see if that helps. 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. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? 96 Continue this thread Luckily, the turtle's cloaca -- the rear end hole (not an anus) that allows the reptile to excrete, urinate, and lay its eggs -- features two sacs, or bursa, which more efficiently absorb oxygen. The regular color of urine varies. TurtleOwner.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. Will turtle pee hurt you? Orange. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. 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. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. All animals have defense mechanisms, but some of them may seem stranger than others. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. Many pets, reptiles included, can carry Salmonella, a bacterial infection that is capable of being spread to humans. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Do Turtles Pee? All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. Common UTI Symptoms. 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 . Turtles need a platform to stand on. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. You also might have . And a few theories backed it from the behind. 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 can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. By
Make sure you put your pet away after he or she plays with these toys because they can chew through anything. 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. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. Run the water Turn on the faucet in. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. https://www.petplace.com/article/reptiles/general/how-turtles-and-tortoises-behave/, https://peteducate.com/do-turtles-get-attached-to-their-owners/. The yellow color is probably urine. 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. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Lets start with the cloaca. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. The Surprising Answer( With Video). When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. 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. 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.. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. 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. Turtles arent known for showing much emotion, but if yours isnt giving you any love back, dont fret; turtles usually live alone and wont feel left out unless you neglect its water bowl. And also one of the places from where they breathe. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. The easiest thing you can do is just give them regular access to water. Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. A bubbler can help to aerate the water and improve water quality. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. However, if a turtle doesnt urinate for a long time, it could die. Not only will you be able to avoid getting peed on in the future, but your turtle will be much happier and can even grow to form a bond with you. Turtles can carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, so its necessary to wash your hands after handling one. If youre buying a turtle as a baby or hatchling, its imperative that you consider the approximate size your turtle will be when its fully grown. Your email address will not be published. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. 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. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. No release If you do have a legal pet turtle you can no longer keep, do not release it into the wild. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. 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. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. This will help your pet get used to your presence. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? 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. The scutes(plates) of the shell normally flake off as the turtle grows. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. Contrary to popular belief, turtles can become attached to their owners. Set up your myVCA account today. Be careful approaching turtles; coming up behind them is a sure fire way to spook them. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. 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. Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. While there are plenty of sources that can offer information on what youshoulddo for your turtle, here are some things that youshouldnt. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. So, do turtles pee when scared? Many turtles enjoy being petted, but first they must get used to humans being present and interacting with them. Frequent urination can also be caused by drinking too many liquids. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. For example, if a turtle is dehydrated, its pee will be darker in color. Can turtle pee hurt you? You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. Can turtle pee hurt you? Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if theyre not used to being held. This is generally a good thing, since they wont refuse the food you give them. Its a natural response that can be easily remedied by placing it back in its enclosure. Start off by observing your pet turtle on a regular basis. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. I've been a turtle and tortoise owner for 10 years, during which I gained a lot of experience and information, and now I want to share them with everybody that is curious or it's looking for help. So, why do turtles pee when picked up? Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 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. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! They will lay out under the. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. 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. 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. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. 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. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it.