Beak Broken Off - Advice Please!

Tommy03

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Jan 12, 2021
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57
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England
Hello,

I've just checked on my adult Russian to see him sitting with his cuttlefish, powder all around his face & a piece of his broken beak next to him. I was looking into trimming his beak but was a little apprehensive about doing it myself, as well as taking him to the vet because of the pandemic. Straightaway he went to eat & is seemingly having no problems (if anything he ate more than usual) so I don't think he is in pain but I'm still a little concerned, especially since I'm not sure if it's now too short & one side of his beak is longer than the other.

Should I try trimming the other side with a nail clipper & file, or does he need to be taken to the vet? Is there anything else I can do to make it more comfortable for him?

I'd really appreciate any advice!
 

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zolasmum

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May 19, 2015
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1,985
Hello,

I've just checked on my adult Russian to see him sitting with his cuttlefish, powder all around his face & a piece of his broken beak next to him. I was looking into trimming his beak but was a little apprehensive about doing it myself, as well as taking him to the vet because of the pandemic. Straightaway he went to eat & is seemingly having no problems (if anything he ate more than usual) so I don't think he is in pain but I'm still a little concerned, especially since I'm not sure if it's now too short & one side of his beak is longer than the other.

Should I try trimming the other side with a nail clipper & file, or does he need to be taken to the vet? Is there anything else I can do to make it more comfortable for him?

I'd really appreciate any advice!
Hello from Devon.I would take him to a vet, myself, as it is very uneven, with some sharp-looking bits, and it would be really difficult for you to get it even - also some of the edge looks as though it might break off more. Do you have a local vet you trust.?
We take our adult Hermann to the vet twice a year, to have his beak trimmed, and he charges £35 to do it - over time his beak has become a better shape, and maybe I could do it myself now, but I would prefer not to try. I believe a lot of Pets At Home branches have a vet now, if you don't have someone you already go to - I don't know how much experience they have with tortoises.
Anyway, Tommy doesn't seem to be in pain,you say, so I would just suggest you give him soft food for now, and no more cuttlefish until his beak is sorted out.
Good luck
Angie
 

Tommy03

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Jan 12, 2021
Messages
57
Location (City and/or State)
England
Thanks so much for all your replies.

He has been to the vet to get his beak trimmed before but still looking to find someone trusted though. There was definitely no blood & he wasn't acting any different.

I just trimmed & filed it a little with nail clippers & a file as I don't have a dremel. He was obviously quite scared though so left him for now & might file it a little more tomorrow
 

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zolasmum

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Thanks so much for all your replies.

He has been to the vet to get his beak trimmed before but still looking to find someone trusted though. There was definitely no blood & he wasn't acting any different.

I just trimmed & filed it a little with nail clippers & a file as I don't have a dremel. He was obviously quite scared though so left him for now & might file it a little more tomorrow
You have certainly made a big improvement in his looks- congratulations !
Angie
 

ColumbiaJane

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Jun 1, 2017
Messages
43
I have a little Russian. She was chewed on by a dog once for just a bit. She acted scared for about 5 minutes after she was rescued. They are tough, and pretty fearless.
 

Moonfleur54

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Apr 21, 2021
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53
Location (City and/or State)
Millersport, Ohio
Thanks so much for all your replies.

He has been to the vet to get his beak trimmed before but still looking to find someone trusted though. There was definitely no blood & he wasn't acting any different.

I just trimmed & filed it a little with nail clippers & a file as I don't have a dremel. He was obviously quite scared though so left him for now & might file it a little more tomorrow
Great job! He looks GORGEOUS!
 

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