can turtle pee hurt you

As your turtle eats, watch it and make slow movements so your pet is aware of your presence. Many other animals, including humans, have this same reflex. Also, it can cause other health issues if you have a weak immune system. Will turtle pee hurt you? Is this harmful to me? We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. And if youre tired of your turtle peeing on you, there are a few things you can do to stop it. 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. Log in 24/7 to access your pets health care information. A friendly turtle will also greet its owner with open eyes. 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. After awhile, you can try to feed your turtle by hand. Turtles and other reptiles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be easily transmitted to people. Many turtle owners report that their turtle comes up to the surface of the water to greet them when they enter the room. But some people argue that even in such situations we have plenty to drink, as long as we don't turn up our noses at it. Your email address will not be published. While turtles may not relieve themselves when picked up by humans, they are capable of doing so when they feel threatened or stressed. Its possible that your turtle may also defecate if it feels truly threatened. This means that they tend to be quite skittish around people they dont know. Figure out when your pet is most active, what scares it, and when it seems the most comfortable. People who come into contact with turtles' urine can develop diarrhea or gastrointestinal problems due to bacteria in their urinary tract. Use a filter to keep the tank clean and be sure to change the filter regularly. When they eat, they will likely urinate in that area. You've only seen one page. Required fields are marked *. Yes, sea turtles can feel it when you touch their shell. However most turtles enjoy being petted on their shells, but some dont like it when you touch their heads or legs. Its best for your turtle to have something to rest their feet on, whether thats your hand, arm, or another solid surface you can hold. 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. Those are the questions that we will explore in the rest of the article. Nitrogen is what gives urine its characteristic odor. 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. Why Do Turtles Pee On You? (Is This Normal?) - AnimalBrite.com When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. Family pets, such as dogs and cats, may chew on a helpless turtle, causing severe damage to the shell (or legs and head). 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. Although shell fractures can be serious, the shell is bone and often can be repaired. Hi, my name is Edward Cohen. 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. Turtles urine contains high levels of uric acid, which can lead to gout, kidney stones, and even cancer. And the most renowned assumption is that its a type of defense mechanism for turtles. Why some turtles breathe through their butts - upi.com Are Red Eared Sliders Dangerous? - AquaticPals Don't confuse "remaining alive" with thriving. 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. Answer. An adult turtle needs to eat on average every 3 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. (Are They Dangerous?). Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. In fact, all turtles urinate (or have a similar process), including red-eared slider turtles. Would you let a turtle pee on you? - Quora Turtles are also able to use their pee as a defense mechanism. The same goes for adult turtles, peeing on you is a defensive move. While this is normal behavior among turtles in nature, humans often misinterpret these actions as aggressive acts. If you want your pet to feel comfortable while playing, then you should consider getting him or her some toys. Turtle pee contains a substance called urea. Other turtles seem to be terrified of being picked up and try to squirm away or even bite if theyre grabbed. 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. 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. Hence people always come with some unique queries. Set up your myVCA account today. This is a natural reflex that helps them to escape from predators or other threats. Salmonella is a bacteria that lives on their outer skin and shell surfaces. First, make sure your turtle has a clean and spacious habitat. Other signs you might have an STI include: Itchiness. Its up to you, but remember to handle it with care. When stroking your turtles shell, take note that it is much more sensitive than you may think. Lets start with the cloaca. Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. But this doesnt mean they dont need to urinate at all. 5: Lower Exercise Intensity to Prevent Turtling. Continue with Recommended Cookies. They will drown in a tank of water. 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. (Are They Dangerous?). 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. In the spring and summer, when theyre eating more and their metabolism is higher, box turtles produce more urine than in the other seasons. No, turtles do not pee in their shell. 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? For instance, baby turtles or hatchlings are more sensitive to touch as they are not used to that. Turtles are considered aquatic animals, so by all means they can You would probably notice how eager turtles would poop once they got into the water. If your turtle doesnt show any interest, try using live food like crickets to engage with it. 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. 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. If he does, then give him a few light pats. Approach the turtle slowly, and make sure it can see you. However, it is important to note that not all turtles will react this way. They tend to pee more often on you due to wrong and frequent handling. Turtles urinate when theyre stressed; this is a natural reaction to feeling threatened. A turtle that is six months to one year old can't go more than a day without eating. What is this cloaca that allows them to breathe underwater, lay eggs, and pee? While it may be unpleasant to deal with, theres no need to be concerned if your turtle urinates when picked up. If your turtles habitat is too small, they may not have enough room to urinate away from their habitats. Also, its a good idea to invest in a vacuum, or even just a simple siphon device made for tanks, which offers a simple way to make a partial water change each time you use itwhich should be at least once a week. Forming a bond with your pet over time and gaining its trust will also help to prevent it feeling stressed when you pick it up. Usually this is a result of being handled or picked up suddenly, especially if they're not used to being held. UTI is a common, irritating, and painful sensation experienced when urinating. 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. Do box turtles have bacteria? - Sage-Answer Answer (1 of 8): Stress can cause any animal to urinate or defecate or both. But no, this is never a good idea. 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. True or False: It's Safe to Drink Your Urine. Its also important that your turtle gets enough natural sunlight and UV rays. Turtles are commonly incriminated as a cause of Salmonella bacterial infection in children. A dirty habitat is often the cause of turtles peeing on their owners. How Can I Make Myself Pee? - Healthline: Medical information and health Some turtles enjoy being picked up and will come to their owners when theyre called. Are Snapping Turtles Dangerous? (with Bite Facts and Videos) - Turtle Owner Some owners even choose to use a soft toothbrush to pet their turtles shell. When a predator picks up a turtle, it will often void its bladder as a last-ditch effort to escape. Urinating can also be a deliberate defensive response if a turtle feels like its in danger. I love turtles, and I write turtle-related blogs and product reviews. Orange. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. Your veterinarian will discuss dietary and environmental modifications to try to prevent stones from reforming. Coates says that UV-B light is especially important for turtles because it plays a major role in the production of Vitamin D3, which is needed for the absorption and metabolism of calcium. A lack of Vitamin D can cause stunted shell growth, bone disorders, and generally shorten the life of your turtle. 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. 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. Most pet owners can recognize when their pet is stressed or feels like its in danger, but some behaviors can take you by surprise! This will help your pet get used to your presence. " Turtle urine causes brain damage in humans when it comes in contact with your skin ." Do turtles poop? Your email address will not be published. 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. They should excrete in natures order just as we normally imagine. After all, turtles are strange creatures, so its not surprising that people are curious about their bodily functions. 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. If your pet feels stable and safe, itll be more receptive to interaction. Turtles have a powerful sense of hearing; if you make a lot of noise in or near their tank, it might stress them out. And well talk about those and a few more related topics in this blog. Turtles tend to be more receptive and energetic when theyre warm. Turtles feel much safer in water than on land, and handling turtles in water helps acclimate them to touch. If given the opportunity, most wild red-eared sliders will attempt to hibernate, depending on the subspecies and its native locale. Pet Turtles: Cute But Commonly Contaminated with Salmonella

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