Not only the turtle's pee is harmful to humans, but it can also cause serious complications leading to death. While at first, this doesnt seem like a very efficient defense, it actually is. Its true! 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. This usually results from improper nutrition and/or dehydration. Infection, swelling, or injury damages the urethra, a tube that carries pee out of the body. 2011-09-12 15:23:38. . But if you pick them up they'll likely pee on you, so watch out. Young children, the elderly, and the immunocompromised are most at risk for developing severe disease. Turtles are interesting creatures. Every little bit can help us tremendously in continuing to create quality content that helps turtle and tortoise owners around the world. When theyre picked up, they may feel cold and release urine as a way to warm themselves up. Another theory suggests that turtles dont have the same muscle control as other animals. By carefully taking note of your pets behaviors and body language, youll be able to make sure your turtle feels safe, comfortable, and happy! Turtles are fun to watch swim around in an aquarium, lazily walk their way across the terrain (e.g., your carpet), or even just chill out on a warm and comfortable rock. . How Can I Make My Turtle Feel Comfortable Being Handled? If they find themselves far from the ground, they would just pee on you. But no, this is never a good idea. Younger turtles feel much more secure if they have a solid surface to place their feet on. Its just doing what comes naturally! Your pet turtle should feel safe imagine how terrifying it would be to be held high above ground while struggling to get back down to safety. Common UTI Symptoms. When the turtle is ready to relieve itself, the urine passes through the cloaca and out of the body. 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. Do make sure to read its body language. 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. If you hold them less, they will be less likely to feel the need to urinate. (Are They Dangerous? One of the keys to keeping your pet turtles happy is consistent feeding. 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. So why did my turtle pee on me? When turtles get scared they can basically pee on themselves. But this can also be dangerous We are a passionate group of writers and researchers who write about pet turtles and tortoises.