26 Ken Saladin You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. In general, red eared slider turtles will urinate several times a day. But urine can turn colors far beyond what's typical, including: Red. A good general rule is to siphon about 1/2 of the water out once a week, replacing it with clean water. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. FYI, ingesting turtle pee can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. 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. While your local pet store is unlikely to accept your turtle, they might be able to steer you in the right direction or allow you to post on their community boards. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. To get your turtle to feel more at ease when you pet it, set it on the ground first. by leaving a tip. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. 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. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. 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. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. This video was supported by KiwiCo. What are the health hazards of dog urine? Do snapping turtles recognize their owners? Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. You shouldnt force it hold a piece of lettuce close to its mouth and wait patiently. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it. Like all reptiles, turtles excrete uric acid as waste. Turtles are interesting creatures. Learn more about KiwiCo's seven different subscription options here: http://kiwico.com/scishowFrom peeing out of their mo. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Aquatic turtles, such as the red-eared slider, have several unique problems. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Coming into contact with turtle pee can cause skin irritation and burns. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Hence people always come with some unique queries. So, its best to replace your bulbs every 9 to 12 months, even if theyre still operational. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. 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. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. So the quantity of pee that gets out is very small, which makes it very hard to see. Some turtles are more outgoing and curious than others, making them more likely to enjoy being handled. 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. 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). They will also begin associating your presence with something good. Run the water Turn on the faucet in. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. Start gently and gradually. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. Some animals make noises or bite, while others may run and hide. Additionally, if a turtle has been eating a lot of fruits or vegetables, its pee may be a brighter color. . Turtles require both Ultraviolet A and B light to survive. Already have a myVCA account? Can A Turtle Pee on You? But no, this is never a good idea. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Thick urine in men and women. 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. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. Turtles are omnivores, meaning they eat a wide variety of foods, including plants, insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Can turtle pee hurt you? Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. If your turtle isnt interested, then try offering live food like cricket nymphs to get him/her excited. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Its best to hold them over a sink or a towel, so you dont make a mess. 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. 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. 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? With appropriate treatment healthy adults tend to recover from infection with Salmonella bacteria relatively quickly. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. 3 1989 Zappa Fam. This will help your pet get used to your presence. If you intend to swap out a former fish tank for your new turtle, its best to invest in a new and more appropriate aquarium lid than the type that comes with fish tanks. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. The young and the elderly are more at risk for complications. Can turtle pee hurt you? However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. 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. Turtles dont really pee, they release uric acid as they defecate. We hope you will enjoy the site and that you will find what youre looking for.. And how do they use pee as a defense against predators? Do turtles pee? This will help your pet get used to your presence. 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. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. It is likely based on the individual personalities. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Do not grab the sides of the shell of a Snapping Turtle as the head may whip around and bite you. Its always best to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your turtle or cleaning its enclosure. Orange. 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. Therefore, when you're planning on handling a turtle, it's best to be prepared for a potential wetting. 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. This will definitely encourage him/her to like you. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. Urgent need to pee. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. When the sac is full, the turtle expels the urine through the cloaca. Your email address will not be published. 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. 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. Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Watermelons? Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. It can be done by placing their food in the area where you want them to urinate. On this site you will find articles that cover every basic thing that a turtle owner needs to know, as well as all the advanced stuff. TurtleOwner.com is owned and operated by The Turtle Owner Team. When box turtles actively grow and mate during the spring and summer, they tend to urinate more frequently than in fall and winter. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. turtles do have the ability to hold their urine in their shell. Dystocia, or egg binding, occurs when the female turtle is unable to pass her eggs. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. 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. Turtles need a platform to stand on. It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. A great way to win over a pet turtle is to avoid being overly noisy around him/her. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Sometime they can do things which may surprise us. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! Some even try to get close enough to kiss our hands. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. After all, some say, there are probably other turtles there, and an abundance of food, water, and sunlight. Common UTI Symptoms. Known by the cloudy, red or brownish-red color of urine. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to on this site. If the penis stays out, it can become traumatized and swollen or can be bitten by another turtle, preventing it from reverting back into the shell and ultimately causing a serious problem. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. 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. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. Because aquatic turtles poop in the water, they can get . It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. If you ingest turtle pee, drink plenty of fluids and immediately seek medical help. 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. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? Cloudy white. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. Lets get into more detail in this article, Before we get into ways on how to stop your turtle peeing on you. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Required fields are marked *. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. If your turtle doesnt show any interest. And, suppose you do decide to pick up a turtle, make sure you support its body from underneath. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. (Are They Dangerous? Is this harmful to me? But if you wee in the same place too much, you will build up a concentration of salts in the soil, and this can affect osmosis of water into the plant's roots. Yes, they do! Coming up behind your pet is a surefire way to scare it! The process is just a little different for each species. Nothing bad will happen if you touch turtle pee, just make sure that you wash or disinfect your hands before you touch anything else. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. 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. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. Over time, they can learn their owners voice, pick up their scent and even recognize them by sight. So, should you pick up a turtle? However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Legislation was then passed in the United States making it illegal to sell turtles with a shell length smaller than 4 inches (10 cm) to try to prevent children from putting small turtles into their mouths. Because most turtles are omnivorous, many will also enjoy small fish, shrimp,and insects as a special treat. Bites from a young turtle will have no major effect on your skin and will certainly not hurt like bites from an adult turtle. 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. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Welcome to the site and we hope you find what youre looking for. Read our advice on understanding turtle behavior and forming a relationship with your turtle below! Do You Need A Tetanus Shot After A Cat Bite. It could be that your turtle is marking its territory, or it could be a sign of illness. You may also have other symptoms, including: 1. The urea travels through the reptiles ' bloodstreams to their mouths, so it's not technically urination. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. It goes without saying that pets of different types might need to be kept apartor watched closely when theyre in the same proximity. 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. 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. Its likely that the way you handled your pet made it feel like it was in danger. Can turtle pee hurt you? For one, the frequency of urination can vary depending on the time of year. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. A healthy, gravid (with eggs) turtle may not eat, but will still be bright, active, and alert. And after reading this blog, you know that turtles have a well-developed urinary system. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. But, if you drink less than 7 to 8 glasses, which is a prescribed limit, your pee becomes more acidic. Hence, when a turtle is picked up, its body releases a hormone called adrenaline. A lack of safe drinking water is a common result of disasters, natural or otherwise. They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Blue. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. What do we learn here? Turtles can be very mysterious creatures, so mysterious that even now we dont know that much about their behavior. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. Your email address will not be published. Can box turtle pee hurt you? For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. Dont shake your turtle, and dont leave him/her alone too high off the ground. 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. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. 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.