Sulcata nail trimming
- Thread starter LynnsLost
- Start date
Mr.pacheco
Active Member
Look ok to me do you now how to trim nails though
Mr.pacheco
Active Member
Well if he is having trouble walking yes get them trimmed
Mr.pacheco
Active Member
Use like dog or cat clippers make sure you have a towel or paper towel and shine light at you when you do it the part of the nail you shod not cut is the black part but the whitish part should be cut but you have to shine light at there nails to tell just ask me more questions if you have too🙃
Mr.pacheco
Active Member
Not at you at his nails sorry may bad
I do not hence asking how to go about it if need be
Mr.pacheco
Active Member
It up to you do you think he needs it its probably for the best if you have seen differents in walking but up to you
No, they don't need to be trimmed.
Idk how to upload a vid but the way he walks kinda reminds me of a baby chick with splayed legs
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The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
You need to upload the video to youtube or some social media first and then send us a link.
Your tortoise appears to have an orthopedic problem. This is not because of the nails. Its possible that there was MBD when it was younger. Or it could be constipated or carrying a bladder stone now. I would have an x-ray done to confirm or refute these possibilities.Ty!
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How is this tortoise housed in winter? What size enclosure and what temperatures?
Just be aware that vets don't know tortoise care and you are likely to receive bad info and bad suggestions. Use caution.
The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
It sure doesn't look healthy, but it isn't the nails, but something else
From your picture it is hard to tell what the situation is. That is an awkward position for the leg. If simple stretched out and resting - that's one thing, but if your tortoise walks with the leg in this position, it is not good. The hind legs should be vertical when walking and standing. That normally wears the nails down on the hind legs as they walk.
Can we see a picture of the whole tortoise? To really assess the way the nails are growing we need to see how the tortoise is also growing and if there are any possible issues causing the legs to splay outward and the nails not wearing normally. Something just doesn't look right with the picture you posted about the leg.
At this point, do not trim the nails. They don't look bad. But something looks off. Very possibly just the position when you took the picture, but lets be sure. Post more pictures, please.
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The_Four_Toed_Edward
Well-Known Member
Did you check out the video link @Markw84 The tortoise definitely wasn't walking normal
It DOES happen with tortoises too. If a baby is kept on a slippery surface wih no traction he could get slay leg just like birds do. What does his walk look like on grass?
He's not walking on the bottoms of his feet, but my impression is weak bones rather than splay leg. Do you supplement calcium?
