First time trimming tortoise beak and nails - help?

[Kailey]

Hi,

I got my little Russian back in October of 2011 and his beak and nails need some maintenance! I gave him a cuttle bone but he is completely uninterested in it, so he is not working his beak down on his own. What is the best way to trim the beak and nails without hurting him? He's quite skittish and pulls his limbs in whenever they're touched. Any advice would be appreciated, as I have never done this before.

Thank you.

 

[Yvonne G]

Hi Kailey:

Its always best to let a qualified vet handle these procedures if you have never done it yourself. And ask the vet if he will show you how, so you can do it yourself next time.

 

[dmmj]

I agree first timers should never do it, he can be injured if done improperly, But to answer your question, a nail file, clippers or dremel can be used on the beak, nails can be cut like dog nails.