BEAK?

[Krisgmf]

Hi,

First of all I want to say hi to everyone , recently we adopted Thor(pic include) from someone who couldn't take care of him anymore , his 30 lbs male , age unspecified, hes being great so far, we really want to take best care possible of him.

My question is , what do you guys think about his beak? Is it overgrown or deformed cuz of poor diet or any other possibilities, of course we will take him to the vet(when I find the right one in chicago area ) but I was wondering your opinion ?

Thank You
Kris

 

[EllieMay]

Hi & welcome! I love his name. His beak does look a bit awkward... we will ping @Yvonne G and she can tell us best how you should handle that.. in the mean time, tell us where he lives and what he eats. Would love to see more pics!

 

[Maro2Bear]

Yep, it definitely needs a good trimming. Id suggest you toss a cuttlebone in for him and see if he’ll munch on that. I make sure theres a cuttle bone in for our Sully and he routinely gnaws on it. This helps maintain a good beak.

Your vet should easily be able to give urs a nice even trim.

Good luck, happy torting

 

[Krisgmf]

Hi & welcome! I love his name. His beak does look a bit awkward... we will ping @Yvonne G and she can tell us best how you should handle that.. in the mean time, tell us where he lives and what he eats. Would love to see more pics!

Thank You ! I'll provide more pics and answer your questions shortly

 

[Krisgmf]

Yep, it definitely needs a good trimming. Id suggest you toss a cuttlebone in for him and see if he’ll munch on that. I make sure theres a cuttle bone in for our Sully and he routinely gnaws on it. This helps maintain a good beak.

Your vet should easily be able to give urs a nice even trim.

Good luck, happy torting

Will do ! Thank You for your answer , like I said his with us since last week, but we want to make sure he gets all proper care that he needs .

 

[LaLaP]

It's a bit like a gap toothed grin though, isn't it? Quite endearing. Welcome to the forum Kris and Thor!

 

[Krisgmf]

It does look like that , Thank You for you kind word , I dont have to much info about Thor from previous owners , from what I know he had two already , hes really way behaved woth great personality, I'm sure he has been like that for a while , It doesn't look like it bothers him at all, I love the way he looks , just want to make him happy tho, that's why I was curious if we should do anything about it or just live it as is

 

[KarenSoCal]

Hi,

First of all I want to say hi to everyone , recently we adopted Thor(pic include) from someone who couldn't take care of him anymore , his 30 lbs male , age unspecified, hes being great so far, we really want to take best care possible of him.

My question is , what do you guys think about his beak? Is it overgrown or deformed cuz of poor diet or any other possibilities, of course we will take him to the vet(when I find the right one in chicago area ) but I was wondering your opinion ?

Thank You
KrisView attachment 262531

We'll tag @wellington for you...she lives in the Chicago area and should be able to help you with a vet.

And welcome to you and Thor!

 

[Krisgmf]

Thank You ! Since I know that a lot of vets advertising "Reptiles , Tortoise etc specialist " and then you end up with dog specialist that know less then you do about tortoises.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Kris, and welcome to the Forum!

Your tortoise's beak is fine. Sulcatas sometimes have two points in front, sort of like Dracula. It looks like Thor's beak has chipped off a bit between the two points. There's nothing to do or worry about. It's fine.

Here's one of Dean S's tortoises:

And a picture of my tortoise, Dudley:

 

[Krisgmf]

Thank You so much ! I appreciate it !

 

[wellington]

I only recommend a vet visit if there is a real need for one. Otherwise they could do more harm then good. If one is ever needed, I have used Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital in Skokie on Dempster Ave.
I wouldn't recommend them for their care and housing advice though. They did do a good job when I had an egg bound leopard. Going into any vet, I recommend finding out as much as you can about the situation on this forum so you are well prepared to know what vet advice to listen too and what not to listen too.
As Yvonne said, the beak looks fine. Feed on a tile or ruff flat stone and with summer grazing it should help to keep the beak in good shape.

 

[Krisgmf]

I only recommend a vet visit if there is a real need for one. Otherwise they could do more harm then good. If one is ever needed, I have used Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital in Skokie on Dempster Ave.
I wouldn't recommend them for their care and housing advice though. They did do a good job when I had an egg bound leopard. Going into any vet, I recommend finding out as much as you can about the situation on this forum so you are well prepared to know what vet advice to listen too and what not to listen too.
As Yvonne said, the beak looks fine. Feed on a tile or ruff flat stone and with summer grazing it should help to keep the beak in good shape.

Thank You do much, now I feel better , really appreciate it

 

[DeanS]

@Krisgmf there is NOTHING wrtong with Thor's beak that some subtle changes in diet can't remedy. Cuttlebone and mature cactus pads help a lot...just cut back on wet, mushy foods. I've NEVER taken a tortoise to a vet and certainly would not for a beak trim...since I can do that myself!