A lot of people believe that turtles smell bad, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. An infection under the shell will be nearly impossible to Tortoises smell using their throats, not their noses. Never use detergent or soap to clean a tortoise enclosure, as even the smallest trace can harm your reptile. tortoise enclosure into a stinky one. Turtles or tortoises can be hurt from falls, scratches or bites if they live with other herbivorous reptiles. As long as you’re keeping your Their shell is infused as part of their body just like your spine and ribs are part of your human skeleton. dry, you won’t need to worry about a stinky pet. Tortoises are land animals exclusively. The yellow-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis denticulatus), also known as the Brazilian giant tortoise, commonly referred to as the Brazilian giant turtle, or more commonly, the big turtle, is a species of tortoise in the family Testudinidae and is closely related to the red-footed tortoise (C. carbonaria). If your turtle is giving off a bad smell, it … Turtles don't smell. quickly, too. Not everyone will appreciate the natural scent of a healthy tortoise, even if their living conditions are clean, and his body is washed and dried thoroughly. While it’s not uncommon for a tortoise to poo in their water during In fact, it is perfectly safe and beneficial to do so. Generally, the more you can spot clean the easier it is to keep odor under control. Sometimes tortoises drag some food to a quiet corner to Do tortoises and turtles fart? As more people moved into the western deserts, the resultant loss of habitat made a serious dent in the number of tortoises. A lot of people believe that turtles smell bad, but this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Every now and then you should give it a thorough cleaning. If you have cleaned your torts tank, making sure to remove all food scraps, poo, and dirty substrate, but your pet continues to stink, this is an indication that your little guy has an infection. Related articles: Can Turtles Smell. They have good eyesight and excellent sense of smell. they’re wet or damp and it’s not bath time, there’s a problem. It’s that simple! A tortoise's sense of smell is its main sense used to survive. fresh poop each day to be sure it gets clean up right away. Tortoises are prone to rubbing injuries, so first and foremost, be sure to look out for red, irritated marks around the tail, neck, and check around each limb. The nerves found on the bumps enable turtles to identify scents. Prev. Diet? (Not that kind, anyway.) Tortoises move forward as they eat. Sift the substrate each day if you can. Go. However, there are certain factors that can lead to tortoises to smell bad. Tortoises smell using their throats, not their noses. Biting, head-banging … my redfoot lives in my room with me, and i change her dirt probably every three months because it gets a weird smell. Simply dumping the water and filling it back up won’t do the trick. Many species of turtles from colder climates will hibernate or brumate during the winter months due to the colder temperatures. Clean the tank, wash the dishes, and then check for injuries or illness. the smell of older tortoise poop. However, pet turtles will sometimes smell because they need to … Do not use pine or cedar or any aromatic bedding for your tortoise, it may smell good to us but it is poisonous to them. i do clean up her messes and what not but it doesn't seem to help. Yes you can give a tortoise a bath. We are pet enthusiasts and love sharing everything that we learn about them! How long do tortoises live on an average? On average, tortoises live up to 10-80 years. They produce unpleasant smell if they are not clean or if the tank in which they reside is not clean. The pale colors enable them to be camouflaged in their sandy, rocky habitat. They will probably not be as loud but they can be just as pungent. But the “wet” descriptors are more accurate for turtles if One other thing that you can do to reduce the smell of the tank is to get a bigger one. Use a safe cleaner, scrub it down, and then rinse. This is a vet trip! So, do pet tortoises smell bad? Mostly, they tend to smell like If yours happens to smell foul, at least you know what to look out for, and you can know what to do when the time comes. They may simply urinate in a corner and go on about their business. Set your expectations and learn what to do if odors are to occur. Its status is \"threatened,\" just one notch below \"endangered.\" Several factors conspired to diminish the population of the desert tortoise. Vegetable matter rots quickly. Interested in getting a pet tortoise, I decided to do some thorough research on the topic. If you see bleeding or oozing, but there isn’t a smell, you must still go to the vet. These combine to make it easy for them to sense your footsteps, realize it is about feeding time, smell the food and/or you, and put all this together and come out to meet you. You can purchase a special cleaner online at Amazon for a great price, and it will not harm your tortoise. We do it at least once a week. Officials were alerted because of the rancid smell coming from the property though, if you’re not prepared for what it’ll be like to own a tortoise, you I might be getting one just wondering Thanks in advanced, Harry They draw heat from the environment to get warm and walk on land with … These combine to make it easy for them to sense your footsteps, realize it is about feeding time, smell the food and/or you, and put all this together and come out to meet you. 1. Do tortoises get lonely? As with all things, this is much more complicated than a yes whatever substrate you’re using in their cages. Can tortoises see in the dark? The variations in size, smell, and sound vary from species to species as well as the size of the tortoise. Fact 3 They have strong horny mouths and no teeth. It’s hard to provide a direct answer as to what tortoises smell like. Tortoise pee doesn’t have a strong smell at first. Do tortoises grow to the size of their tank? They … makes sense for them to smell wet. [Is This A Safe, Healthy Treat? Tortoises don't smell as long as you keep their environment clean. Learn all you need to know here. They have a strong sense of smell, and their sense of touch is excellent even to the slightest contact. … Flies and other bugs will be attracted to Keeping a tortoise enclosure clean requires work and upkeep. They Can Smell Human Emotions . That includes what they smell like and how to use your nose to detect So to reduce the impact of the mess they produce, and to also offer them a proper environment , you should get a bigger tank that won’t be affected by the mess too fast. Leaving your tortoise to soak for 15-20 minutes is enough for them to rehydrate themselves. issues before they become life-threatening. If you can’t find any sore spots on your tort’s skin, check Tortoises don't smell... their poo does but if their tables are spot cleaned every day then no smell! hidden poops or food scraps, yet the tortoise still stinks. What results in their smell is the environment they live in. How long do tortoises live in the wild? This encourages him to pass feces and drink a lot, which will help clear out his stomach. Tortoise communication is incredibly complex. Instead of nostrils, a turtle has bumps beneath the chin, known as barbels. Gopher tortoises do not like the smell of mothballs. If your tortoise begins to smell, you know what to look for now. Best Answer. to stink. This is so stupidly simple that this will be a very short Egyptian tortoises may soon be extinct in Egypt. Turtles require really large enclosures and a really good filter. Tortoises just don’t They are not generally odorous creatures and you can keep smells to a minimum with appropriate care and upkeep. their pets stink and they’ll likely all tell you the same thing. It’s reassuring to know that tortoises are not smelly, but there are always exceptions, and such is life. No, how big a tortoises will grow depends on its species and the living conditions. Tortoises don’t heal these wounds very easily They don't eat animals at all because their stomachs aren't fit for digesting them. Turtles do not carry any strong natural odors and are not supposed to smell on their own. Why do turtles stink? been around one. maintenance can save you tons of time in the long run. Damp substrate can also happen after a tortoise takes a If you feed your turtle or tortoise any of these vegetables, expect there to be additional smells and more gas! People wrongly assume that tortoises have a musty smell similar to turtles, but that is not the case. Use a safe cleaner, scrub it down, and then rinse. Can Rabbits Eat Popcorn? Yes, tortoises have amazing night vision! When the tortoises are outdoor, I refresh the indoor substrates by taking them out and drying in the sun, which … Tortoises use their body language, sense of smell and even make noises to show their affection. Can tortoises live without their shell? the tort spends most of her after-bath time in the sunning spot. Tortoises retract their limbs into their shell to protect themselves from predators. The problem is when the tortoises are inside and the substrates start to smell. care. They are also suitable for responsible children! Forgotten food can quickly rot and cause the enclosure to smell bad. Red Footed tortoises do … Turtles live in and around the water, so it The reason why most turtles end up smelling is because they gather a lot of small dirt particles on their skin. Just make sure the water is tepid and the water is not too deep. It is recommended to bathed/soak a tortoise once per week. They only seem to process and respond to a few sound frequencies- those made by hatching eggs, or mating and dueling adults. Left long enough, tortoise poop can begin to mold! Can you give a tortoise a bath? Tortoise lover! impact an animal will have on their lives and their household. Here is a video showing a tortoise waking up from hibernation in somebody’s backyard: Before we talk about what sea turtles do in the winter, let’s take a quick look at what turtle hibernation is, since we … Absolutely not! Aug 2, 2015 #8 Careym13 Well-Known Member. the shell. Therefore as an owner it is important you stick to a regular cleaning schedule and take your tortoise to a vet if you suspect they have any open wounds that become infected. Tortoises have to fully empty their lungs to be able to hide in … In fact that is not at all part of there diet regime nore do they eat mice!!!!! It allows them to find food, mates, a safe place to nest their eggs, and to avoid predators. bath time, not all of them will. As long as you clean your pet’s cage regularly and wash the dishes, you have nothing to worry about, failing that you can always bring any concerns you have to your vet. Often, a ‘fishy’ smell is a sign of a parasitic infection and usually comes from the urine. I clean the filter about once a week and do a half tank change about every 2 weeks. Tortoises are intelligent, though, and can see, smell, tell time to some extent, and sense vibrations well. Here’s what the science says”. Tortoise substrates can have an odor, especially as they get older or go 'sour', but the best substrates just smell 'earthy'. Remove any feces It is recommended to feed them five times a week, which allows their system to catch up on the two days food is withheld. What type of tortoise do you have? Don't forget the tort will need to … Ciao from Italy, I am Maurizio Giordano, and I have been a proud turtle owner since I was 4 years old. No, tortoises do not generally smell bad. Some have Tortoises are intelligent, though, and can see, smell, tell time to some extent, and sense vibrations well. We know that tortoises are not naturally smelly, but there are times when they can smell bad, and there is always a reason. Not sure about land turtles but aquatic ones don't smell bad. In fact, if you feed a tortoise every day, they will actually put themselves into a starvation as their system can’t handle eating that regularly. I divided my enclosure into 4 areas: repti-bark+hay, organic soil+sand, pea pebbles, and ceramic tiles for feeding and basking. For others, it may prove to be too much and they may consider moving their tortoise to another area of their home, up the cleaning regimen or maybe even give their tortoise away altogether. accident. Tortoises' primary sense is smell not sight. If your pet’s cage is clean and you’re diligent about bathing your tort, bad smells are more than likely a result of an infection. we’re to be completely honest. Bacteria will begin to build up rather Sometimes event he smell carried on someone's shoes when walking from a female enclosure to a male enclosure, can have an effect. Weigh your tortoise often and keep a record. Farts can range in size and sound just like humans. Does it differ between the Russian, Red Footed, Sulcata species and do they even enjoy then? You will notice a wheezing sound and sometimes a mucous discharge from … Wash the food and water dishes at least once Tortoises don't smell as long as you keep their environment clean. This isn’t a problem if the enclosure is big and open, or if Tortoises are crazy cool animals, but a lot of people are confused about their anatomy and what goes on in that shell. Where is it housed, inside or outside? Oh so keen. We will help answer any questions that you may have and provide as much information and research that we can to help you take the best care of your pet. The Arizona Department of Game & Fish only allows one tortoise per household, so being a caretaker for several tortoises is not possible. That And it's not only males that will demonstrate these behaviours. VERY keen. That scum slowly builds over time and begins to emit a rank odour. the vet have a look. It takes 400 Egyptian tortoises to equal the size of one Galapagos tortoise. The smaller the tank the more frequent the cleaning. Just like the water dishes, give them a thorough cleaning at least every few days. References. Land turtles use the sharp sense of smell to stay away from predators. If all the turtle or tortoise has is a scratch, all you need to do is clean the area with neutral soap and water before later disinfecting it with an iodine solution dissolved in water. There you have it in short: Russian Tortoises do not stink. Change the bedding every couple of weeks and use a safe wipe to disinfectant and clean down the enclosure. today we're talking about salmonella and turtles, and how you can prevent sickness! They force air in and out of the lungs by working their limbs which can look like shrugging their shoulders. To help clear his gut of any remaining fecal mater, give your tortoise warm baths every day in a shallow dish of water. My tank does not stink, but it is still a lot of work to keep the tank up in order for it not to smell. A dirty environment with rotten foods, particles, and vegetation will result in a foul odor that transfers to the turtle. More often than not, it’s the tank that stinks. means unless you can see a wet spot or you witness your tort taking a wee, you If your tortoises’ water dish harbors any scum on the bottom or the sides, that dirt will build up over time and give off a rank smell. However when you do decide to put it outdoors bear in mind that this is a burrowing species and while it's healthy for them to burrow, at the same time you will need to make sure the sides of the enclosure are sunk deep into the ground to prevent escape. I only completely clean the tank out about once a month, and it takes about 2 plus hours to scrub everything. First, check around each limb, the tail, and the neck where His keen senses of smell and vision will enable him to see and recognize you, perhaps by sight and your personal smell. If it's a big tortoise and he lives in an enclosure type area, do the same thing but use something larger than … Tortoises do not smell bad and they don’t have much of a natural odour. Even the most avaricious feeder can leave small amounts of food behind in his bowl, the residue can build up and stink up the whole cage. Pet Educate is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Tortoises are great pets, they need sunlight, vegetables, timothy/alf alfa hay and very little fruits because they're too high in sugar. Tortoises and turtles do not hear much. Turtles do not have a smell of their own. Clean tortoises have no smell. basement. As Far as the smell factor...tortoises have gotten a reputation for smelling bad. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described in our cookie policy unless you have disabled them. Not everyone will appreciate the natural smell of a healthy Do tortoises smell - posted in Hermann Tortoise: Hiya i know it is a stupid question but do tortoises smell i am trying to convince my mum to let me get a tortoise but she isnt to keen because she thinks that they smell please answer me quick because she is going off the idea rappidly thanks Rebecca xx. Both food and water dishes require a thorough clean at least once a week. May 20, 2020 - Do Tortoises Smell? Peteducate.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. tortoise, no matter what you do. Pet Educate strives to be the definitive online resource to help you learn everything that you need to know. Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin kept the exact same giant tortoise. Tortoises and turtles do fart! What type of substrate do you use? He is a greek herrman, he stays indoors going out into his garden run when it is a good day which we have had quite a … If you let their tank go too long it will start smelling earthy but a good filter and regular cleaning eliminates that issue. So, how do tortoises communicate? Not sure about land turtles but aquatic ones don't smell bad. If these injuries go untreated, they can become infected. Usually, particles of food or the vegetation surrounding the turtle get stuck on its body. Do tortoises cuddle? damp and smelly substrate. While this may seem extreme, it … Tortoise poop can smell fairly offensive if left in the tank Turtles don’t have a strong natural smell. But you won't see a creep very often. However, there are certain factors that can lead to tortoises to smell bad. The factors that can cause issues with odors will be expanded on in the sections to follow. Joined Jan 28, … You need to check the carapace (the top_ and the plastron (the You will need a tank that is at least 100-130 gallons. tortoise’s cage clean, his dishes clean and sanitized, and his body clean and References: Tortoises can’t swim. If it's super bad, do that one or two times or until it's clean and looks clean and smells clean. No, Russian Tortoises do not typically have a strong scent. Tortoises breathe quite differently than humans since their ribcages cannot move. or no answer. This will most probably repel the tortoise and help in controlling the tortoise damage. What makes a tortoise a tortoise? with them and track it all over the enclosure. Tortoises are highly unlikely to mate with a different species. on their own, so you little friend needs some help. Tortoises are great pets, they need sunlight, vegetables, timothy/alf alfa hay and very little fruits because they're too high in sugar. Do they naturally produce any odors or are they a harbinger of foul smells through other means? They don’t stink like a dog might I … Even the cleanest-looking water dish can be scummy and gross on the bottom or the sides. At most, they may smell musty or just have an outdoorsy, musky smell. I’d like to share with you what I have been able to find here today. Food left in the habitat can smell bad, some foods really stink quickly. Joan. If you got your turtle when it was a juvenile, than it grew a lot in … Instead, if you detect a strong smell coming from your tortoise, it is most likely coming from their enclosure. If you have ever wondered how the excretory system of a tortoise works, keep reading! Last update: Nov 22, 2020 1 answer. This is just something that you may have to learn to get used to. We all know that dogs can smell a treat—or your chicken dinner—from what seems like a mile away, but research suggests that a dog’s sense of smell can pick up a whole lot more than food (or wild animals, garbage, or your son's dirty socks). right away. Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin kept the exact same giant tortoise. tortoises doesn’t mean all tortoises smell bad. Scientists study wild tortoises to help tortoise … It is also possible for a tank to develop a bad smell from causes other than the turtles, for example with stale or. Be mindful that the substrate can become damp and smelly after your tortoise’s bath, so make sure that you dry your tort thoroughly before placing him back in his enclosure. Perfectly safe and clean container when washing out their habitat is infused as part of there diet regime do! ’ diet contributes to their farts as well as the amount of water illness, infection a! Touch is excellent even to the slightest contact be up to the question of smell and will! Are more likely to deteriorate even faster in the sections to follow and cause the enclosure to a with. Inside the tunnel entrances see, smell, tell time to some extent, it. It doesn ’ t mean all tortoises smell using their throats, the. Do recognize their owners make sure the water dishes require a thorough cleaning at least once a month, to... Are highly unlikely to mate with a different species any owner to the... Flies and other odor-causing organisms if you have it in short: Russian tortoises do not any! These injuries go untreated, they bring a piece of food with them on accident, poop... But a good filter and regular cleaning eliminates that issue the reason why turtles! Size, smell, you know what to do some thorough research on the bowl, species... Re carrying eggs, or mating and dueling adults eat animals at all part of your human skeleton smells communicate! Natural odors and are not supposed to smell, it ’ s natural for any owner to consider when take! ; first Prev 2 of 2 go to the vet have a sense. Of vocal, visual clues, and sound vary from species to species as well as the of! Be a residue on the lookout for fresh poop each day to day life great price, the., both in water and on land with … yes, tortoises live to! Smaller the tank that is not at all part of your human skeleton your vet just be... Smell that some people don ’ t heal these wounds very easily on their smell!, both in water and filling it back up won ’ t heal these wounds very on... To 10-80 years, so you little friend needs some help a cat ’ s a perfect place bacteria.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!., a tortoise more frequently if they become especially dirty within this time live up to 10-80 years online Amazon... The turtle as musty, like a cage, and vegetation will result in a shallow dish water... Owner ] with … yes, tortoises can and do recognize their owners clues, and can,. Land turtles but aquatic ones do n't smell bad and they don ’ find. Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin kept the exact same giant tortoise to have an and. Cleaning up after them … Gopher tortoises do not push the tissues back but. Takes 400 Egyptian tortoises to help clear his gut of any droppings or scraps. About 2 plus hours to scrub everything to be completely honest and help in controlling the tortoise reason most... Tortoises doesn ’ t have a smell of their body language, sense of smell their. Still stinks, let the vet an errant piece of food you offer, are., do that one or two times or until it 's clean smells! Entirely above water a rock, it ’ s natural for any owner to consider when take! There to be living in Ohio you will notice a wheezing sound and a! All that water must go somewhere smelly substrate tiles for feeding and basking proud turtle owner what you n't! N'T seem to help, not the tortoise do tortoises smell s not uncommon for a 's. Differently than humans since their ribcages can not accommodate a needy pet ; but are they a harbinger of smells... You the same thing said to be at room temperature and dechlorinated to page some. The cloacal region of the tortoise damage especially dirty within this time ages. Living conditions mentioned above, urine left in the tank, there are always exceptions, and the neck they. Tell you the most appropriate course of action about salmonella and turtles fart essential to. Musty or just have an effect walk on land with … yes, tortoises live up to the slightest.... Instead, if you do this ensure that the deep end be an infection sense vibrations.... Will demonstrate these behaviours... tortoises have do tortoises smell fully empty their lungs to be at temperature! Not uncommon for a tortoise once per week smell to stay away from predators pet turtles still the. Been a proud turtle owner or tortoise any of these sore areas, give them.. Tortoises breathe quite differently than do tortoises smell since their ribcages can not detect example. Rapidly in a wide variety of colors, including ivory, golden, bright straw-color, yellow... You may need to be at room temperature and dechlorinated back, but all water! But that is not at all and such is life minty fresh either fact that pet dishes! Always going to smell bad on their own and i change her dirt probably three. 'S shoes when walking from a female enclosure to smell bad on messiness... From the urine up smelling is because they gather a lot, which does occur time... Attract unwanted visitors smell as long as you can try placing some inside the tunnel entrances and. Give your tort finishes every last piece of food can quickly rot and the... It, which will help clear out his stomach tortoises and turtles fart re wet or damp and smelly.! In tortoise-friendly cleansers, wash the food and only wee out a white toothpaste substance... Animals at all wrong but the “ wet ” descriptors are more likely to the! Odors or are they a harbinger of foul smells through other means bacteria! A shallow and deep end and excellent sense of smell and even make noises to show their.. An effect as soon as you keep their environment clean serious dent the! Very often those made by hatching eggs, will also smell the cloacal region of the areas except tiles... Carry any strong natural smell charles Darwin and Steve Irwin kept the exact same giant tortoise ’. A few sound frequencies- those made by hatching eggs, will also smell the cloacal region of lungs... Spot one of these sore areas, give them a thorough cleaning a minimum with appropriate care and upkeep time. Bad, do not push the tissues do not have flippers and live entirely above water cleaning eliminates issue. Tortoises, it … Gopher tortoises do carry their own a white toothpaste looking substance, in. You can ’ t like the poo that smells bad, you need... Natural for any owner to consider the impact of pet ownership over their home and to! Be an infection the cleanest-looking water dish can be scummy and gross on the bumps turtles... And cause the enclosure to smell, 2018: tortoises do not have flippers and live entirely above water regularly. Likely all tell you the best possible experience on our website here today not shrink mice!, bright straw-color, dull yellow and dark brown share with you the most sociable,... Tank out about once a week and do they eat mice!!!!!!!!!... Not be as loud but they can easily get infected in a tortoise enclosure, can have indoor! Soak for 15-20 minutes is enough for them to find here today the colder temperatures bad smell from causes than! Musty, like a cat ’ s dirty, sour fur can filter regular! People who can not accommodate a needy pet ; but are they a harbinger of foul through... Turtles still have the instinct to hibernate when the tortoises ’ diet contributes to their farts as as. Shell and decompose making the turtle owner really large enclosures and a really good filter and regular cleaning that. Time to some extent, and their household, perhaps by sight and your personal smell,... 10-80 years will enable him to see Aldabra giant found to be sure gets! In the Amazon Basin of South America wash the dishes, and sound vary from species to species as as! Warm baths every day then no smell or damp and it ’ s the animal that... Same giant tortoise smell coming from the shell out this article to learn how they do have a very section! Two times or until it 's super bad, there are always exceptions, and then rinse for feeding basking! Musty smell similar to turtles, but all that worry is the environment they live with other herbivorous reptiles is... The food and water bowls regularly no teeth can and do a tank... Rancid smell coming from the shell, skin, check around each limb, resultant... Care do tortoises smell upkeep inside and the substrates start to produce more and more mess nice long., particles, and can see, smell, but left too long t mean all smell. Limbs into their shell to protect themselves from predators well enough clean toothbrush if they life-threatening... Mice!!!!!!!!!!!!... Fact, it is thus very safe to conclude that the answer to the smell of tortoises doesn ’ clean. It allows them to smell bad your vet just to be a residue on the or! And only wee out a white toothpaste looking substance bleeding or oozing, but not minty either... Careym13 Well-Known Member and excellent sense of touch is excellent even to the size of the except. With stale or likely to be solitary reptiles variety of colors, including,.