Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. The same is true for light shining through the sides of a glasstank. Thick urine in men and women. So, how often do red-eared slider turtles pee? It should be a calm hiding place where your pet doesnt have to worry about being bothered. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. According to Coates, many species of turtles that come from warmer latitudes will also need their water to be heated. 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 can get your turtle to associate you with these essential parts of their life, theyll feel more comfortable around you. The most popular one is that its a natural defense mechanism. If your turtle pees on you, theyre probably feeling scared or threatened. 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. 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. You are dehydrated When you drink water, these toxins get absorbed in it and eventually exit out from your body. It may be a reflection of a dirty tank and infrequent water changes. 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. Hence, its best to err on the side of caution and avoid contact with turtle urine if possible. Hence, it hurts when it is released. Therefore, that can cause the turtles muscles to relax, including those that control its bladder. Burning sensation or pain when you pee. 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. Yes thats right, sometimes a turtle pees on youif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,100],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',107,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-3-0'); So the question you may be wondering Why did my turtle pee on me? They excrete waste in the form of urine, just like any other animal or turtle. Most of the turtles for sale as pets require both aquatic and terrestrial environments within their tank, and special attention needs to be paid to water quality. Can turtle pee hurt you? A turtle bite can be dangerous depending on the species of turtle and its age. A turtles life is an endless circle of food going in and waste coming outoften at the same time. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. The problem may be due to an inappropriate diet that may be too high in protein and fat or may be imbalanced in vitamins and minerals. So, do turtles pee when scared? The shell may be soft, bumpy, or asymmetrical. Turtles need a platform to stand on. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. Your email address will not be published. They pee like most of the remaining reptiles. Urgent need to pee. Can earthworm pee hurt you. While turtles generally don't go out of their way to do so, they may release urine as a defense mechanism if they feel threatened or are startled. Continue with Recommended Cookies. You see, Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a normal response to feeling threatened. Frank Zappa You Can't Do That On Stage Anymore, Vol. 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. This creates scar tissue that blocks or slows the flow of urine, which can hurt. And, there are no turtle species that dont pee. 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. ReptileJam.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may be compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Turtles love being petted, especially around their shells. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. So, even a very small turtle that maxes out ata few inches is going to require a pretty sizable aquarium. If you notice that your turtle's shell is growing irregularly, it may be a sign of malnutrition or even metabolic bone disease. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination, palpate the turtles abdomen, and take radiographs (X-rays) to diagnose the problem. Manage Settings Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. But this isnt verified or proven information. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. Turtles feel much safer there and you can gradually get them used to being touched without feeling scared. You can find more details on traction wrapping in this article. Sea turtle shells consist of bones, which are . This is not a problem as long as the penis can go back in. 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. 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. 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. On the flip side, many species observe a hibernation period and may refuse food for long periods of time. Taking good care of your pet is the first step to relieving any stress it may feel. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. Green. Thats because turtles excrete very little nitrogen in their urine. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. 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. Pet turtles may accidentally be dropped or may fall off tables if they escape from their aquariums or are left unattended. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. There is a common misconception that turtles dont urinate. 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. as a hatschling they might pee too, but the bladder is so tiny that you wouldn't realize they are peeing. 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. However, turtles are not the only animals that release urine when theyre scared. Talk to your veterinarian about your turtles specific needs.. Read our advice on understanding. 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;}. Common UTI Symptoms. Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans. By When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. If your turtle resists, stop petting it immediately. We really appreciate the kindness and support that you show us! There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that turtle pee can cause brain damage. Though turtles peeing onto their caregivers is odd and with concerning reasons. The kidneys filter the blood and produce urine stored in the bladder. The answer is no; turtles do not pee out of their mouth. 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. Its just water they store in their cloaca and when you scare them, they release those fluids onto you. This mechanism can be seen quite easily if you are a new turtle owner. 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. 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 turtle that is in good health will actively hunt any live food you give them. However, a few things make box turtles urinary habits unique. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. Just like any other animal with a urinary system, box turtles expel waste in the form of urine. Considering that they are instinctually intelligent, peeing on you isnt normal. So, its best to be careful and keep clean. One of the most pronounced ones is its potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into your contact. And whatever the reason, its important to be prepared for a turtle to pee when you pick it up. The main reason why turtles get this disease is because they cannot filter their own waste properly. We have lots more on the site to show you. Dont make it frequent and dont make it excessive. But all of this shouldnt talk you out of getting a turtle, after all,any pet has the potential to transmit disease. Urine (or urine) is an end product of vital functions of the human body that secrete the kidney. This includes not only urine but also solid waste like feces. Small children handling turtles should be supervised to ensure they dont place them near their eyes or mouths and that they wash their hands afterwards. 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. While uric acid doesnt have the same composition as urine, it does have a similar appearance and smell. So, its important that your turtles environment be kept clean. Some turtles with urinary tract infections or other health issues will urinate more frequently and even urinate outside their habitat. The truth is that, yes, box turtles do pee. Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. And the pee looks like a clear, yellow liquid and is often compared to lemonade or urine. 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. Soft-shelled turtles from China can essentially expel pee from their mouths, researchers say. 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. Men and women of any age can experience dysuria, but it's more common in women. Its a common phenomenon that has puzzled turtle owners and experts for years. In addition, if your turtle greets you and interacts with you, its easy to see that theyre happy. Its a white, crystalline substance that is relatively insoluble in water. With proper handling and caution, you can reduce the frequency or even totally stop this incident. While controversial, most veterinarians feel it is best to try to prevent captive red-eared sliders from hibernating, since hibernation is very stressful on the body, and sub-clinical illnesses can manifest themselves during the immunocompromise that accompanies hibernation. This reflex is often triggered when theyre picked up, leading to an accidental release of urine. Because pee itself is a bacteria containing liquid. So turtles do pee, but why don't we see them do it? The easiest thing you can do is just give them regular access to water. Even if your turtle is used to being picked up, try not to handle it for an extended period of time. Most commonly, it is associated with poor husbandry, including improper environmental temperature or light cycles, inadequate nest sites, and/or improper diet (malnutrition). Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. So before touching their shells, check to see whether your turtle likes being handled. Its thought that male turtles might also use their cloaca to expel sperm during mating, but this has not been proven. Many turtles know the sight and sounds of their owners, even though most people don't. Two techniques are available for performing surgery on organs contained within the shell. Theres never any harm in asking for advice and getting a quick checkup! 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. Try feeding your turtle by hand after some time. A veterinarian familiar with reptiles should examine an turtle with these signs immediately. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Orange. The bite does not cause any real damage, although it can hurt kids with tiny fingers. 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. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. With enough time and patience, your turtle will learn to associate that area with urinating and will start to use it as their designated bathroom spot. And also one of the places from where they breathe. Required fields are marked *. 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. Snapping Turtles are Special Moving Snapping Turtles especially large ones is more challenging. While growing, juvenile turtles need to be fed fairly often, adult turtles can be fed a few times per week, depending on the . This will help your pet get used to your presence. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? Stress and pressure could cause your turtle to pee on you, or defecate. As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Also, a turtles pee can create problems during the pregnancy. Turtles are interesting creatures. Im Devin Nunn, an average joe that just so happens to have a deep love and passion for everything to do with reptiles. So, you can follow our instructions above, and dont forget to discuss with a professional if necessary. As an Amazon associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Its a common question asked by turtle enthusiasts, and the answer may surprise you. But no, this is never a good idea. Young and newly adopted turtles, especially, can be very sensitive and tend to pee more often. Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM, Contributors: Laurie Hess, DVM; Rick Axelson, DVM. So asking yourself if they drink water is quite understandable, especially since they spend most of their time in the water, where it can be quite hard to see what they do. However, that is just a case of Hollywood artistic license in reality, turtles cannot pee in this way. Some turtles may simply curl up into a ball and remain still when frightened. read more On ReptileJam.com we have a deep passion and interest for all kinds of reptiles. If the material is white, the poop may also appear white. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. When you pick up a turtle, its body is suddenly subjected to a different type of gravity than its used to. While drinking a little bit of your own urine probably won't hurt you, it's definitely not as safe as a . Depending on factors, such as environmental temperature and the amount of water its drinking. When a turtle feels very threatened they will bite you and then they won't let go. The answer is yes! The urinary system of a turtle consists of two kidneys, a bladder, and a cloaca. This is not a normal occurrence and should be addressed by a veterinarian immediately. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. And there are several questions regarding the turtles pee. Turtle urine can cause brain damage in humans. The most common reason for your turtle to pee on you is that theyre experiencing stress. Turtles are fascinating animals with a lot of unknowns. While it's hard to resist, overfeeding a turtle can lead to serious consequences. The cloaca is the opening that turtles use for defecation and reproduction. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a 4 inch shell. There are a few theories on why turtles pee when theyre picked up. Yes that's right, sometimes a turtle pees on you So the question you may be wondering - Why did my turtle pee on me? 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. Set up your myVCA account today. Its likely that the way you treated him made it seem like he felt threatened. "Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with the eyes, nose, mouth, and throat," according to the U.S. Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. Lets start with the cloaca. So, if you see a turtle peeing when its scared, dont be alarmed. Luckily, its possible to make your pet turtle feel more comfortable around you. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. Properly clean and disinfect the turtles tank every time it is soiled. Hermann tortoises are known for eating everything that you put in front of them. 7 Things That Can Make Your Pet Turtle Sick, Turtles 101: How to Clean and Care for Your Turtle's Tank, Turtle FAQs: What Kind of Turtle Do I Have and More, any pet has the potential to transmit disease, unlikely combinations of animals into lifelong friends. 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). Start gently and gradually. There is also the risk of one or both animals being injured, or possibly killed, by a falling aquarium. Weve identified a few more theories through our research and observation on why turtles pee on you when picked up. Never enter the safe zone! But if you must, make sure to handle them gently and wash your hands thoroughly afterward. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Unless it's a protected species, it's not illegal to own a turtle under a shell length of 4 inches. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Even if using the cloaca is less exhausting for the turtle, in normal circumstances a turtle wont be able to survive for long periods of time using only the cloaca. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. In this blog, we will discuss those and answer some related queries. In fact, they have to pee to get rid of the waste products they produce. It's not harmful to the turtle itself, however, people can get infected by coming in contact with it. 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. Find out yours. While this is mostly considered a horror movie trope, its actually based on reality, since humans possess the same defense mechanism as turtles. Can box turtle pee hurt you? It's not recommended to come into contact with dog urine, especially for young children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues like COPD and asthma. They may even beg for treats, similar to a dog! Keep working on hand-feeding, and with time and patience, you can try petting your turtle again. Do turtles pee? Another is that the acid in turtle pee can eat away at the skin, causing warts. Another option to get your turtle feeling more comfortable is to handle it in water. A dog or cat may view your new turtle with curiosity at first, but a simple exploratory scratch or bite can easily cause serious, andpotentially lethal, harm. Yes, turtles pee through their cloaca, which is an orifice that is a combination of an anus, urethra, and gills. Normal urine has a mild transparent . Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. 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. 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. The more water you drink, the less concentrated your urine is. ), link to Can Hermann Tortoises Eat Tomatoes? They can also bite, so its best to avoid putting your fingers near their mouths. 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. Yes, they do! Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. However, there are some potential risks associated with exposure to turtle urine. An out of whack bladder could be causing issues. If your turtle doesnt seem to be digesting properly, its a good idea to take them to the vet. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. Turtles are more active and playful than most people realize, but they are also naturally nervous and shy animals. I have been an animal enthusiast for many years now and I love them. The answer is yes; turtles can pee. It has the potential to cause human brain damage when it comes into contact with you so you have to be very carefulif(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',108,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',108,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-reptileshere_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-108{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:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}, Thats why its important to alwayswash your hands after handling your turtle, If your turtle has peed on you and you want to stop this behavior carry on reading, If you want your turtle to stop peeing on you its very simple, If you have to handle your turtle, do it in a gentle and calm way. Happy turtles will eat their meals enthusiastically and appear excited when presented with food. Aquatic turtles on the other hand still spend a fair amount of time on land as well. Dont force ithold a piece of lettuce about six inches away from your pet and wait patiently. Make sure not to shake your turtle, and dont hold it too far from the ground. If your turtle seems uninterested in food and hunting, its likely to be unhappy. Once this is accomplished, the turtle will swim now and then for excercise when he wants. If your turtle is energetic and active, thats a great sign that its comfortable in its environment. 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. 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. Hence, if you come into contact with turtle pee, be sure to wash the area with soap and water as soon as possible. Urinary tract infections are commonly associated with dysuria. If you are not sure whether the shell is normal, check with your veterinarian. If you have a UTI the tubes and your bladder get red and irritated (inflammation). Hello, I am Victor, and I have a turtle pond that is the home of 6 turtles and 2 tortoises. 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. 26 Ken Saladin So, yes! When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Your email address will not be published. Give your turtle a healthy combination of store bought turtle pellets, fresh leafy greens, and finely chopped fruits and vegetables. 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. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. Some reptiles can harbor the bacteria as a carrier but not be actively sick with an infection. Its a natural way for the body to protect itself from danger. However, turtles pee could be harmful to humans and cause health issues. If it does, you can try some low intensity exercises. And land turtles that dont spend any time underwater have little to no use for the breathing abilities of the cloaca. Remember that its not in the typical turtles nature to be extremely social. It is transmitted in an animal's feces (pronounced FEE-seez), which is a scientific word for poop. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Read my articles and share them with your beloved ones. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and genital herpes can all make it hurt to pee. If you do have to force yourself, here are 10 strategies that may work: 1. Cloudy white. A red-eared slider's shell is remarkably strong, but it can be injured. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises. 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. While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. Bacteria Your body is home to many different colonies of healthy. Happy and healthy turtles will have normal bodily functions such as defecating on a regular basis. And, a question that people often have do or can turtles pee? Regardless of the tissue or organ prolapsed, all can become traumatized, become dried out, or suffer from compromised blood flow. And it can also have toxins that can be dangerous to the brain if it comes to contact. A good way to get your turtle used to being around humans is to feed him/her regularly. A good guide is tengallons of tank space for each inch of turtle, at a minimum. 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. On the other hand, a turtle may urinate less often when it is cold, and its body is not producing as much waste. Is this harmful to me?
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