I have a floating turtle can I hold them in my hand? I was told they are poison.?

Answer 1

The salmonella bacteria (also known as food poisoning) lives in the fold of the skin and the edges of the turtles shells. Any warm moist spot. You can also get it changing the water and cleaning the cage.

Generally the turtles carry the salmonella because thier water is not kept clean enough. Reduce the risk by cleaing your turtle's cage twice a week at least.

Scrub your hands everytime you touch anything to do with your turtle. I do mean scrub. Soap does not kill the germs and bacteria it causes them to slide off. Scrub under your nails and at least halfway to your elbow on your arms. Don't take any chances clean throughly!

AND don't smoke till you have washed your hands really well. You can get salmonella on your cig by holding it then get it in your mouth.

Snakes and other reptiles also carry salmonella even the bite of Boa can be very dirty. Again it tends to have to do with unclean conditions in thier cages.

Lastly don't under estimate salomonella. My son found a turtle that had been shot with a BB and injured, so it was unable to find a get to a palce to hybernate. My son brought it home. He got salmonella. He was almost 20. He knew to be careful so we think it was from smoking before washing his hands. BUT his stomach and intestines have never been the same. Not only was it a terribly painful disease to have but he had to be hospitalized for 5 days and his digestive system is permanently damaged. Salmonella can cause permanent damage to your stomach and other organs. It is a very nasty disease.

We often joke about food poisoning and restaurants but the reality is food poisoning, salmonella, is no joke

Answer 2

1. Turtles tend to carry Salmonella, a common food poisoning germ, because they live in their own wastes. Salmonella is annoying, but not dangerous if you practice good handwashing.

2. It sounds like you need to do a little more research about your pet. Try http://www.austinsturtlepage.com or http://www.redearslider.com for help.

3. Holding a turtle is not a great idea anyway. It is pretty stressful on the turtle to be held by a giant.

Answer 3

Turtles often carry salmonella, so if you do touch one, just be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm to hot water to kill the bacteria.

Answer 4

they are not poison to my knowledge... they carry salmonella and other bacteria so you should wash your hands after handling your pet turtle or any reptile for that matter.

Answer 5

turtles can be held, but they have bacteria on them, so you need to remember to wash your hands thoroughly after touching it.