I have had tortoises and turtles for many years now, always being very lucky and preventitive about illness and sorts. But today I Rescued a 7ish year old Russian Tortoise From a home where she was not getting the greatest care. They tried, just underestimated tortoises as most people tend to do. Well. Ive never had a Russian Tortoise and Im not sure about her mouth? Her Upper "lip" or "beak" is very large and extends down quite far past her lower. I dont think this is normal, seems like it could hinder her eating. Is this normal or is there anyway I can feed her something That Will grind it down.
Russian Tortoise Sick Question? Please Help! PICS ADDED!!!
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RE: Russian Tortoise Sick Question? Please Help!
Can you post a pic of it?
Can you post a pic of it?
Welcome to the forum!
this really isnt that big of a problem. you can simply take it to a Vet to file down, or file it yourself. you can prevent this by allowing the tortoise to eat plants that are still in the ground, and putting food on a hard plate. that will over time help keep the beak trimmed.
this really isnt that big of a problem. you can simply take it to a Vet to file down, or file it yourself. you can prevent this by allowing the tortoise to eat plants that are still in the ground, and putting food on a hard plate. that will over time help keep the beak trimmed.
Vet is in need for sure. They'll file it down like spike said. Are his nails long too? glad to hear he is in a better home now. Welcome
His Nails are Very long. Longer then Ive ever seen them get. Im much less concerned with them, Although they are important. He is a very good eater, Very Active and Friendly. Also about 8-9 inches in a 10 gallon Tank. GRRRRR. He will be very happy to be in his larger outdoor sanctuary.
Let it run wild in a secure large outdoor enclosure. Russians are very hardy and do best outside. The beak and its nails will remained trimmed. Russian Tortoises are soldiers;they will survive all year round outside. Good Luck
Hi Bmailman9:
to the forum!!
The beak needs to be filed down. Once you've gotten it where it should be, then feeding her on a rough surface will keep it trimmed. You can either use a Dremel, a toe-nail clipper or a rough file.
If you want to trim the nails, that can be done too, just like trimming a cat or dog's nails. But if you're planning to set the tortoise up outside, just walking around on the hard ground will wear them down.
The beak needs to be filed down. Once you've gotten it where it should be, then feeding her on a rough surface will keep it trimmed. You can either use a Dremel, a toe-nail clipper or a rough file.
If you want to trim the nails, that can be done too, just like trimming a cat or dog's nails. But if you're planning to set the tortoise up outside, just walking around on the hard ground will wear them down.
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something i do to help keep beak and nails trimmed is feed them on a flat-ish rock and my torts walk all around on that even when they're not eating, and when they eat their beaks will hit the ground as well to help keep it filed. keeping a cuttle bone in his enclosure and letting him eat the tough plant roots like cory said will help as well. that little guy is lucky to have you and welcome to the forum!
Oh my goodness!
I have never seen such an overgrown beak. Good on you for rescuing the tortoise and amending his environment and care. Please post some more photos of your big guy in his new digs. He probably thinks he died and went to tortoise heaven.
I hope he adjusts quickly and pays you back for your kindness by growing strong and hardy.
I have never seen such an overgrown beak. Good on you for rescuing the tortoise and amending his environment and care. Please post some more photos of your big guy in his new digs. He probably thinks he died and went to tortoise heaven.
I hope he adjusts quickly and pays you back for your kindness by growing strong and hardy.
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I rescued a tortoise and his beak is quite overgrown as well. I bought some cuttlebone for him today, he hasn't noticed it yet, but I think it may take some time before he realizes he can bite it! Also I am planning on trimming his beak, some say to just use a good human nailclippers and remove small pieces at a time and then file a bit with an emery board. I think I might try that.
On the smaller turtles and tortoises, I clip beaks the way mentioned in Tortoisesrock's (Taylor's) post.
I use a toe-nail clipper, and I don't take big bites. Using the corner edge of the clipper, I take a small bite of the beak, so it looks like a triangular piece has been taken out. I start at the corner of the mouth, and nip, nip, nip my way around to the opposite corner. Don't take too big a bite at a time or you run the risk of hurting the tortoise. Once you have it shortened all the way around, then you can take a file and smooth it out. Now that the beak is down to a more natural size, if you feed the tortoise on a rough surface, something like a piece of cement or a rock, then the beak will stay worn down.
You may have to grab the tortoise's head between your thumb and forefinger just behind his jaws. This sounds harsh, and I'm sure it isn't pleasant for the tortoise, but it is the only way to hold his head out so you can get the job done quickly.
I think one of us could make a lot of money if we could invent some sort of head-stock that we can fit around the tortoise's head behind the jaws so that they can't pull in to their shell. A wonderful invention, and very much needed!! (Like what they use for cattle)
I use a toe-nail clipper, and I don't take big bites. Using the corner edge of the clipper, I take a small bite of the beak, so it looks like a triangular piece has been taken out. I start at the corner of the mouth, and nip, nip, nip my way around to the opposite corner. Don't take too big a bite at a time or you run the risk of hurting the tortoise. Once you have it shortened all the way around, then you can take a file and smooth it out. Now that the beak is down to a more natural size, if you feed the tortoise on a rough surface, something like a piece of cement or a rock, then the beak will stay worn down.
You may have to grab the tortoise's head between your thumb and forefinger just behind his jaws. This sounds harsh, and I'm sure it isn't pleasant for the tortoise, but it is the only way to hold his head out so you can get the job done quickly.
I think one of us could make a lot of money if we could invent some sort of head-stock that we can fit around the tortoise's head behind the jaws so that they can't pull in to their shell. A wonderful invention, and very much needed!! (Like what they use for cattle)
Poor little one I am glad that you both find each other. Because of you I am sure he is going to have a beautiful life
I am glad that you both find each other. Because of you I am sure he is going to have a beautiful life - Status
