Trimming nails and beak?

[TortoisesRock!]

So my tortoise's nails were getting quite long so I decided to trim them with the same clippers I use on my dog's nails (is this ok?) and most nails turned out fine, except for one that must have had quite a long quick! I just cut the end of the quick and there was a little bit of blood-does anybody have any advice so this won't happen again? Also my tortoise's beak is a bit long as well and someone told me to trim that with a human nail clippers, but thats really not working at all. Any help on that q? too? THANKS!

 

[bettinge]

I would not trim the rear nails of a tortoise that may be nesting in the near future, as the sharp nails might be useful for digging soil.

I have used nail clippers on the beak with no issues, but my torts were only 4-5 inches SCL. I could see it being an issue on big torts!

 

[DeanS]

I don't even like the idea of trimming the beak, muchless the nails...I have enough concret for them to take care of that naturally. On the other hand, I understand that torts underbite or overbite issues may need the occasional beak trimming.

 

[heyprettyrave]

so, if i place her food on a rock say, would this keep this particular issue away?

 

[Missy]

I use a flat rock and I believe cuttle bone helps to.

 

[heyprettyrave]

awesome, because i bought like a ton of those and she adores them

 

[tortoisenerd]

I feed on a slate tile and have some river rocks in the enclosure (next to a wall and away from heat and water). Unless you obtain a tort with a long beak or nails, they should be maintenance-free. Keep in mind tort nails are supposed to be a bit longer than you'd think, if that makes any sense. If you do need to cut some, have someone help you and keep that powder to stop bleeding on hand.

 

[TortoisesRock!]

Thanks everyone. When we rescued Franklin his beak was long. It doesn't seem to bother him too much now, but it might soon. Also he won't touch cuttlebone.

 

[Livingstone]

Thanks everyone. When we rescued Franklin his beak was long. It doesn't seem to bother him too much now, but it might soon. Also he won't touch cuttlebone.

Picture?