This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. So, should you pick up a turtle? You will also feel the urge to urinate more often and a change in smell can occur. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. Any trauma to the shell should be brought to the attention of a veterinarian immediately. Prevention, through proper hygiene, is the best way to prevent salmonellosis. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? 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? Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). Never enter the safe zone! 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 . 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. All reasons aside, turtle pee is entirely safe to be in contact with human skin. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. How Can You Stop Turtle Peeing on you? The cloaca works in a similar way to the lungs, when the turtle is inside the water the cloaca will act like a pump that will suck water inside and after it gathers all the oxygen from it, it will expel the water out, and then it will start over. Turtle pee can harm humans in several ways: -Turtle pee contains bacteria that may cause infections in mucous membranes or open wounds. Some turtles will also hiss under stress. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. Turtle urine can contain harmful bacteria that can cause infections. You will need to supplement ambient light with a quality UV light source placed over the tank. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. Sea turtles use it all the time since some of them spend their entire life without leaving the water. While observing your turtle, stand near its aquarium and make slow movements. But straining that hard is an indication of a serious problem He may have an intestinal blockage, and straining can cause him to have an intestinal prolapse when part of the intestine comes out of the cloaca/anus. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Yes, you read it right. You must lower the water level and put plenty of flat rocks for him to climb on. 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. Most importantly, wash your hands thoroughly with disinfectant soap every time after handling, feeding your reptile, or cleaning its cage items to help minimize risks of contracting salmonellosis. The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. One technique involves cutting the shell and then repairing it following the procedure; the second technique involves making an incision in front of and through the muscles of the pelvis and hind limbs to enter the abdominal cavity. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. Simply put, turtles are dirty. Advertisement. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. Green. Throw another turtle into the mix and you are looking at an even bigger tank. Lastly, if your turtle is still peeing on you, it may be a sign of a health problem. 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. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. Although this isnt proven by research or science, several myths and old wives tales about turtle pee causing warts are well-known. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like it's in danger. 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? In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. Turtles that feel affection towards their owners will often follow them around. This is the place from where turtles urinate, defecate and lay eggs. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. You can prevent this behavior by bonding with your pet turtle over time. However, this does not mean you let turtles pee on you while handling them. 3. You see, Turtles urinate when they're stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! Also, when turtles feel stressed or threatened, they could do the same. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Turtles need a platform to stand on. When you drink less, the yellow color becomes stronger. Do make sure to read its body language. Have you ever held a turtle and felt a warm stream of urine run down your arm? The regular color of urine varies. 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. You just have to pick your turtle up, and you will be able to see that your turtle will start to pee. When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. 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. Before I wrap up, I want to touch on how you can get your pet turtle to like you. 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. Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. A gravid turtle with dystocia typically does not eat and rapidly becomes sick, lethargic, or unresponsive. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Turtles often move toward humans because they feel safe around us. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. The answer to this question depends on the type of turtle. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. Hence people always come with some unique queries. 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. Turtles will also beg for food when you pass by their enclosure or venture near that coveted food shelf. There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. Snapping Turtles can be fast and they can bite. So, youre looking for a new companion pet and youve decided that aTestudinecould be the right fit for you. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. Any of these foods can be dusted with calcium powder to provide an extra boost of this vital nutrient. So why did my turtle pee on me? When turtles need more room inside their bladders, the best way to help them is by giving them something else to chew on. Heres a detailed article that may interest you: Why Do Turtles Pee When Picked Up? 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. Mistake 2: You Push While Peeing. Never pick up a turtle by the tail, as this can injure the animal. They have an opening at the bottom of their shell that they use to excrete waste. If you enjoy the content that we create, please consider saying a "Thank You!" While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the species. Make a habit of giving your turtle its regular mealtime snack each morning and evening. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Instead, they excrete a waste product called uric acid, which is a byproduct of their metabolism. The best way to avoid your turtle peeing on you is to handle it properly. As you can see, several possibilities can cause this behavior. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. This is Shuvo Mahfuz, one of the main authors of NursingPets.com. Its best to let the turtle approach you first rather than picking it up without warning. Give them the proper space and time to naturalize themselves so they wont feel threatened by you. We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and turtles in general. Yes, they do! With a safe zone, your turtle can easily escape any unwanted interaction. One theory is that the bacteria in turtle pee can cause warts. 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. Will turtle pee hurt you? Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. Wild turtles are commonly found on the side of the road after getting hit by cars and suffering from serious shell fractures. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. Like many other animals, turtles are opportunistic feeders and will often continue to eat as long as food is available. 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. Not only is it smelly, but it can also be a health hazard. A turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. It could be a defense mechanism, or the turtle could be scared or feeling stressed, or they may be unable to control their muscles. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . Therefore, when youre planning on handling a turtle, its best to be prepared for a potential wetting. The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Putting all the disgust aside, you also might overthink if something internally could be wrong with your turtle. When this substance is concentrated, it can be harmful to humans. Disclosure: Nursingpets.com is reader-supported. 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. One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. Pain, pressure, or aching in your lower abdomen (pelvic area) Cloudy or dark pee. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. So the more you drink, the clearer your urine looks. Have a dedicated area for cleaning reptiles items, separate from the area humans items are cleaned. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that they're experiencing stress. But then why do some people claim their turtles pee smell bad? Having either type 1 or type 2 diabetes can make you need to use the bathroom more often than other people. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Turtles are interesting creatures. On this site we share what we know and learn about reptiles to help you give your reptile the love and care it deserves. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. Its just doing what comes naturally! 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 your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. And that can be detrimental for humans if ingested or made contact with the skin. Due to the way things are arranged on the inside of the turtle this process is less exhausting than normal breathing. Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. Can turtle pee hurt you? Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. There is also a belief that turtle pee is contagious and can spread warts from one person to another. Make sure your turtle does not get stressed! 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. 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. The cheapest part of turtle ownership is the start up cost of buying a turtle and its habitat. Hence, if youre interested, hop on the ship. However, it's better to leave the turtle alone if it appears fearful and threatened by you. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Required fields are marked *. . So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. Patience and regular interaction with your turtle are the best ways to help it grow more comfortable with being handled. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. 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. 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. Lets start with the cloaca. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. When a turtle urinates, the urine is stored in a sac near the cloaca. Also, you can always put a diaper on your turtle before picking it up! Watch how he reacts while eating and move slowly towards him so he knows you are near. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Wiki User. Perhaps most importantly, just because a UV bulb is lit doesnt necessarily mean that its outputting sufficient UV rays. Check the shell closely for any signs of abnormalities suggesting disease. 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. Generally speaking, a turtle can go about 8 hours without water in a warm and dry environment. Turtles pee out of fear, pressure, and feeling threatened. In fact, its almost odorless. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. And they have a well-developed system for getting rid of waste. 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. Moreover, if your turtle isnt used to handling by you or humans, it could pee on you as a defense mechanism. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. Unless it is a protected species, it is not illegal to own or buy a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. In fact, turtles pee when theyre picked up because theyre excited or could be scared too! 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. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth.