Overgrown beak

UpsideDownTort

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Dec 28, 2017
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Wisconsin
Hello everyone! I have recently rescued 2 russian tortoises. They both have severely overgrown beaks that need to be trimmed. The vet said cost would be about $1200 for both. I'm going to buy a dremel to do it myself. Any tips? I have another russian tortoise that is perfectly healthy. Just want some advice! Thank you! 20190311_132516.jpeg20190311_100202.jpeg
 

goReptiles

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Oct 9, 2009
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Try feeding in a stone slab or adding cuttlebone for them to chew. Should help. I’d definitely get a second opinion on pricing before doing it myself, although it seems pretty simple to do.
 

Yvonne G

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That's a ridiculous price to trim two tortoise beaks. I'd find a different vet.

You can take the majority of it off with a toe nail clipper, then Dremmel it smooth after. You may want to do it in several trimmings just to be sure you're not going to deep. Take a little off each time about a week apart. Don't try to take too big a bite with the clippers. Tiny chunks out of the edge all the way around. The sides are too long too.
 

Melis

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Did they give you a breakdown of what that price would cover? That’s crazy.
 

LillyBean

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Feb 23, 2019
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Omaha, NE
My little guys doesn't match on both sides. Is this normal to see one side longer than the other?
 

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