If you’re someone, who owns a pet turtle. Your curiosity about their shell must have brought you here. Ever had this thought, that can turtle feel their shell? Well undoubtedly, a turtle can feel their shell because it has a nerve ending.
But, that’s not the only question you had in your mind, right? Let’s dive into it and learn more about turtle shells.
Can Turtles Feel When You Touch Their Shell?
Turtles are able to feel their Shell because it contains nerve endings. The spinal cord’s nerve end flows through the surface of the shell and presents the turtle with the capability to feel contact on touch.
If there’s no vibration originating, then the turtle won’t feel any light touches but it can feel heavier touches because the vibrations travel over the shell.
While some turtles feel the contact by the slightest of touches, others might not. The correct approach is, that you need to observe the turtle and caress them carefully, to distinguish your turtle type.
You have to touch them gently with your hands so that it doesn’t scare them. Be cautious, not to rub close to the head. They will defend themselves with sharp beaks.
The Shell is known as the home of the turtle and cannot be detached because they are connected to it by the spine.
Can Turtles Feel Pain Through Their Shell?
The shell of a turtle is regarded to be strong, made out of a similar material to the horns of some animals, it is still capable of being hurt by hard and sharp impact, it may even crack which is very painful for the turtle itself.
It occurs mostly because the nerves on the outside of the shell can pass on the vibrations to the inside nerves, and they are extremely sensitive. Other than this, your turtle will have to endure the pain, if your action includes the use of paint on the shell. The paints may include chemicals and might turn out disastrous for the turtle.
A turtle’s shell is not an untouchable protective armor. Suppose you act carelessly and exploit the shell. It can attain damage and could even bleed. If the turtle’s shell gets injured, the predator craves to hunt them, so the turtle desperately tries to hide the injury.
Do Turtles Have Nerves In Their Shell?
If you pay attention, you will see that the turtle’s shell holds the utmost priority simultaneously, the nerves inside the shell also have to perform an immense amount of work. Any contact or touch made with the turtle’s shell will first have to go through the nerves, and then the shell will feel the sensation.
A turtle’s shell includes nerves. These nerve endings and blood vessels make it feasible for the turtle to feel through their shells. A turtle’s nerve functions differently compared to the nerves of human beings; it performs more like a pressure sensor.
They can feel something touching their shell through it. Though, these nerves are not receptive as to human beings and so, the turtle doesn’t go through pain if the carapace gets hit slightly or on a small scale.
The nerve endings on turtle’s shells usually just transmit vibrations and are considered non-sensitive. A turtle’s shell is said to be its greatest defense and can’t be compromised at all, because it could turn out to be a potential threat to them.
How Sensitive Is Turtle Shell?
Apparently like, not every human being adore being hugged or tickled. In the same manner, not every turtle or tortoise adores being stroked or tapped, Some might, but not all.
Human beings notice any touch via the sensory receptor. And so, the turtle also feels being, disturbed, or scratched due to its shell. They can feel their shells just as much as you can feel your skin, A turtle’s shell sensitivity is close to that of your fingernail. If humans touch their nails and belly, they will feel different sensations on both ends.
The same goes for the turtle, they also feel different, if you touch their legs and shell. They don’t feel a huge amount of sensation, it’s only slightly sensitive. The skin on the bottom of their shell is very susceptible and will possibly gather any type of sensation, whereas, the outer bones on the shell are examined to be not that sensitive. It’s determined by the amount of pressure imposed.
Can All Turtles Feel Their Shell?
All kinds of turtles, be it tortoises, turtles or terrapins can feel their shells. Any feeling of being patted, stroked, caressed, and hurt is felt by the turtle, they can feel vibrations, temperature changes, and pressure on their shells.
The shell of the turtle is naturally strong, it also acts as a shield for the head but just because they’ve been designed for the turtle’s safety does not mean it can’t be hurt.
Which is why we should always be gentle. As for petting a turtle, well, they really aren’t animals that appreciate being petted, if they retract their head into their shell then it’s safe to say that you shouldn’t try again.
You could give them a heart attack by messing with and touching them so sometimes it’s best to just look at them and not touch them.
One important thing to note is that not all turtle shells are alike in strength e.g., Leatherback Sea turtles have a much stronger shell as compared to their land species.
Conclusion
Now that we have reached the end, you are probably aware of the basics when it comes to turtle shells. The sensation of touch and pain vary from turtle to turtle which is why it is important to be aware of the species of turtle you have so you can cater to its needs better.
Interesting fact: Since Reptiles are not able to arrange Vitamin D on their own, so they absorb sunlight Via shells and replenish their energies.
