I don’t think I can file this side. Pic included
I need help with my Herrman's beak!!
- Thread starter Bobo's Dad
- Start date
My personal (not an expert) opinion is I would try it. At least you tried. If you get uncomfortable then stop and rethink your options. Remember I am not an expert. Maybe try to file down the chip so it can't snag.
I have a Russian that had beak issues when I got him. I used super sturdy toenail clippers to take the worst of it off. If you use new, sharp toenail clippers, you may be able to get enough off to keep things from getting worse. The emory board that Tom suggested would work well on the main beak area that is too long. Wrap him in towel so just his head is visible, sit in a chair and hold him between your knees. That will free up your hands to do the work. Good luck!
I have a 2 year old hermann. Mine is doing the same exact thing but on both sides of his beak. I believe he is shedding. None of my tortoises have shed like snakes or lizards. It has always been in patches. A beautiful tort. you have. I'll try and attempt to add photographs but I. Not great at technology. Lol. If it's anything to be concerned about, please let me know..
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Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
@Dwightdoucet and @Bobo's Dad could you both possibly try and answer these questions? I only ask because maybe they’ll be something one of the other experienced members will spot that could be a contributing factor, figured it’s worth a shot. I don’t think temps have anything to do with this obviously but I’ll include it anyway.
Indoor or outdoor set up? What size?
What are your temperatures like? Ie basking spot(directly under the bulb) overall day temps, night temps?
If indoors, what kind of lighting/heating are you using specifically?
Any indoor uv? If so what kind?
What is your humidity like? What are you using for substrate?
Do you do weekly soaks?
How’s their diet been? What kind of supplements?
A photo of both of your enclosures might be good too! Maybe someone will spot an item they think could possibly cause it
usually the more info the better in working out why it’s happening, hopefully avoiding it in the future
Indoor or outdoor set up? What size?
What are your temperatures like? Ie basking spot(directly under the bulb) overall day temps, night temps?
If indoors, what kind of lighting/heating are you using specifically?
Any indoor uv? If so what kind?
What is your humidity like? What are you using for substrate?
Do you do weekly soaks?
How’s their diet been? What kind of supplements?
A photo of both of your enclosures might be good too! Maybe someone will spot an item they think could possibly cause it
usually the more info the better in working out why it’s happening, hopefully avoiding it in the future
Avian (bird) vets often treat turtles too because of the similarities. The exotics vet closest to us is primarily an avian vet, but they readily do tortoises and turtles too.
Also, if your state has a veterinary school they usually have clinics where they treat animals, and may have specialists. I have used our vet school here in Louisiana for one turtle and one tortoise. I was very impressed with their knowledge (and they even knew about The Tortoise Forum!). They did not cost any more than a regular vet.
Also, if your state has a veterinary school they usually have clinics where they treat animals, and may have specialists. I have used our vet school here in Louisiana for one turtle and one tortoise. I was very impressed with their knowledge (and they even knew about The Tortoise Forum!). They did not cost any more than a regular vet.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
This is a really good tip for something like this!
Starmar
New Member
Wrapping him in a towel is a great idea! Then you need to use your fingers and grab him behind the head to keep him from pulling in. It may take you a time or two to do and be comfortable. And you may need a second person to help. Definitely google tortoise beak care and some videos should pop up. And keep us posted
Bobo is 2 1/2 year Hermann’s I am using coco coir for his substrate Reptisun UVB 5.0 dual tubes basking right at about 97. I’ve been lacking on soaks I need to do more. I am unsure of humidity I live in an apartment. Pic of enclosure attached. Diet is Romaine Green leaf Kale Peas Carrots Green beans berries once in a while. I added a photo taken a few days before I saw the crack. I plan on calling the vet a call tomorrow. Found a highly recommended exotic reptile vet.@Dwightdoucet and @Bobo's Dad could you both possibly try and answer these questions? I only ask because maybe they’ll be something one of the other experienced members will spot that could be a contributing factor, figured it’s worth a shot. I don’t think temps have anything to do with this obviously but I’ll include it anyway.
Indoor or outdoor set up? What size?
What are your temperatures like? Ie basking spot(directly under the bulb) overall day temps, night temps?
If indoors, what kind of lighting/heating are you using specifically?
Any indoor uv? If so what kind?
What is your humidity like? What are you using for substrate?
Do you do weekly soaks?
How’s their diet been? What kind of supplements?
A photo of both of your enclosures might be good too! Maybe someone will spot an item they think could possibly cause it
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Hi best option is vet however if that is not feasible try the following.... buy a new human nail file / emery board (keep that only for tort to avoid any germs etc). Then wrap a towel around the tort . Very gently put your fingers in a v shape at the neck to stop the head hiding and use emery with other hand. Be fast and gentle, you may have to repeat daily / weekly but your aiming to reduce the over hang and realign. The crack will grow out but ensure calcium addition to diet will help. As mentioned before also get a terracotta plant based for food as that helps keep beak in order..
I called a reputable exotics vet and got him an appointment for Wednesday for the doc to look at it and do a trim. Apparently he comes highly rated. It’s $99 just to look at him. I live on disability and I don’t know if I can swing the cost and additional cost of trimming shaping. 
Explain it to the vet. Maybe he can show you how to trim the rest at homeI called a reputable exotics vet and got him an appointment for Wednesday for the doc to look at it and do a trim. Apparently he comes highly rated. It’s $99 just to look at him. I live on disability and I don’t know if I can swing the cost and additional cost of trimming shaping.
Starmar
New Member
A good vet will usually let you make a couple of payments. And yes get the vet to show you how to do this as the other person mentioned. Just make sure when you do it not to use anything sharp or pointy so as not to slip and injure the tortoises eye. All of this sounds complicated and/or nerve racking. But it’s pretty easy to do once you see it done.I called a reputable exotics vet and got him an appointment for Wednesday for the doc to look at it and do a trim. Apparently he comes highly rated. It’s $99 just to look at him. I live on disability and I don’t know if I can swing the cost and additional cost of trimming shaping.
Hello! I have had the same issue with my hermann’s tortoise too. One side of his beak was wiggling and i took him to the vet and they got it off since it was literally hanging off.. Soon like 5 months later today, another side of his beak seemed to do the same. I just kept giving him soaks until the beak softened and came out on its own like few days ago. Im not sure whats the cause of this, i think its shedding but he is eating good, active tortoise and seem to not have any problems.
Soaking tortoise 3 times a week or daily is beneficial for tortoises in many ways.
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Update on Bobo: took him to the vet and it was a lot more serious than we all thought. The vet said he bit something and fractured his beak. What they did was used epoxy to mend the wrinkled side. The Dr. said untreated it would have been a disaster for his beak. He is an owner of a tort too. They said the beak grows very very slowly and if this does not work I’m looking at a $500 procedure with anesthesia and such and they will have to do a major repair. I never have had this with any tort I have owned. Right now he’s hiding in his shell because they were working on him. I’m heart broke. If I would have tried anything like filling it or peeling it I would have majorly screwed him up.
Wow. Great you had it checked and that was what we recommended. Hope the finances were ok for you and above all your tort repairs and all is well.
Littleredfootbigredheart
Well-Known Member
I’m so glad you got him booked in! Definitely wanted a vet to check him out but think we were trying to brainstorm incase you couldn’t afford it
I’m glad you left it to the vet though!
Starmar
New Member
Good deal! I’m glad he will be okay. Don’t be heartbroken at all. Look at hit like this. You saved his life you did the right thing by getting a professional to fix him up.
Update: it’s been 36 hrs since he has eaten or drank. He has not come out of his shell other than a peak since the vet saw him. He is like in shock. No one handles him but me or my mother. He won’t come out and I am afraid because he has not eaten or drank. Anyone??
