Nail Trimming

[jodemiah]

How often should I be trimming my Hermanns nails? I took her to a vet and was told "you don't need to"??? I have a hard time believing that one.
Also, any tips on what type of clippers to use?
Thanks.

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

Many keepers don't need to. They wear their nails naturally walking over different substrates and digging and climbing. Nails potentially never require trimming if they get a lot of exercise on the right materials. Some tortoises do require nail trimming, but that is more common in animals with MBD or without access to large enclosures (there are exceptions to this too though).

 

[Tom]

I've never needed to trim a tortoises nails. Its a very rare thing. In this case, I tend to agree with the vet.

Want to post a pic and we can tell you what we think?

 

[MPRC]

No trimming here either, but if you do need to the scissor type clippers generally cause less damage to nails than guillotine style like most dog clippers.

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I've also never trimmed a nail.
On my tortoises, either.

 

[Iochroma]

For trimming nails and overgrown beaks, I use a Dremel. I have found that the speed and heat of this tool is safer (in experienced hands) than other clippers. This is not something for amateurs to experiment with. If you are not confident with this tool it is better to leave the job in the hands of your vet.

 

[jodemiah]

 

[ZEROPILOT]

Some species seem to have longer nails to begin with, don't they?

 

[SarahChelonoidis]

View attachment 159338

Those don't look too long at all to me.

 

[MPRC]

Those look like normal tortoise nails to me. I wouldn't do anything to them.

 

[natt]

I have lots of rocks in Noah's enclosure to help keep her nails down as she explores and climbs about. I also feed her off slate which plays a part in keeping her beak down too.