ok i always kiss my turtles shell at night before i put him to bed. I read some where that they carry something i dont remember what it was but am i harming myself in anyway giving him a kiss on the shell at night? i know i am not hurting him...
2006-06-20 18:46:10 · 12 answers · asked by ~Mrs.C 4 in Pets ➔ Reptiles
i have had him for 9 months now he is a box turtle...
2006-06-20 18:46:52 · update #1
i don't want to call my vet and bug him over questions like this he will problly laugh at me
2006-06-20 18:51:36 · update #2
ok so should i take him to a vet to check if he has Salmonella
2006-06-20 18:52:25 · update #3
i said a kiss as a peck like barely touching him not licking his shell
2006-06-20 18:53:29 · update #4
ask your vet...dont rely on "tales from the net"
2006-06-20 18:48:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I know that some turtles carry salmonella. Here's a link to some info about it. I had it once. It's awful!!! Probably best to just give the turtle a little good night pat on the head!
2006-06-21 01:52:16 · answer #2 · answered by __x__ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salmonella is the key issue, and your turtle will have Samonella anytime it is in contact with soiled water.
Would you 'peck' a piece of raw chicken that has been sitting out? Your chance of getting Salmonella are almost exactly the same either way, and it would be the same kinds of Salmonella either way.
As for not 'hurting' the turtle... that is not quite true. Turtles generaly do not like being handled- although they can appreciate having their heads or throats stroked. Turtles are stressed by handling, being picked up, and even being 'loomed over' by us giants. Turtles generaly thrive best in tanks that minimize the 'staring giants' problem.
I would show my affection in a more appropriate way AND in a way that it will appreciate more- stroking its head or chucking its chin, whichever it likes best.
2006-06-21 13:13:10 · answer #3 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles can carry salmonella. It's against the law to sell them in pet shops for this reason, at least in Texas. This may not be true for all turtles but I know it is for water turtles.
2006-06-21 01:56:16 · answer #4 · answered by blueEyes 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don'y kiss it with you lips. Kiss your finger and then touch the turtle. Turtles carry salmonella.
2006-06-21 04:36:00 · answer #5 · answered by alyssabeth2304 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Turtles carry salmonella which can cause diseases. So kissing your turtle is not such a good idea..
2006-06-21 02:24:11 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's called salmonella, it's a bacteria that is commonly found around reptiles. Be Careful.
2006-06-21 01:51:12 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't do it. Turtles are notorious for carrying salmonella.
2006-06-21 01:49:53 · answer #8 · answered by Mike 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Salmonella is what they carry, I think. I'd be more concerned about your hands- that's how germs spread. Just make sure to wash em after you play with him.
2006-06-21 01:50:01 · answer #9 · answered by Nettie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can carry salmonella. keep your tongue in your mouth!
2006-06-21 01:51:57 · answer #10 · answered by luthierick 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋