- Joined
- Aug 18, 2013
- Messages
- 1
Hi all - I am a new user, and hopefully this post is acceptable here, since it applies specifically to our California Desert Tortoise. Timmy is fairly old - my father "adopted" him from what is now Edwards AFB in 1942, and he was apparently about 7-8" long at that time, so I figure he is probably close to 80 now.
He gets around okay, and has always been a grazer, supplemented by fruit.
The problem that I am seeing now is that his bottom beak - not top - has grown to be about 3/8" wide, and protrudes out past his upper beak (like an overbite/underbite). There's no telling how long it has taken to develop this condition, but from the layers it appears to have grown for at least a few years.
I read various threads about beak trimming, but I am a little nervous about working on the old guy without a few expert opinions. Additionally, the threads seemed specific to upper beaks, and trimming for length vs width.
So has anyone seen this condition, and would you address it yourself, or take it to a vet? I have done bird beaks, so I am probably ok with the technical aspect of the procedure. Of course my biggest concern would be bleeding. So Please let me know how you would handle this on your tortoise.
Thanks in advance - From what I have read, there are hundreds of years worth combined experience here, so I appreciate any advice you all can offer
He gets around okay, and has always been a grazer, supplemented by fruit.
The problem that I am seeing now is that his bottom beak - not top - has grown to be about 3/8" wide, and protrudes out past his upper beak (like an overbite/underbite). There's no telling how long it has taken to develop this condition, but from the layers it appears to have grown for at least a few years.
I read various threads about beak trimming, but I am a little nervous about working on the old guy without a few expert opinions. Additionally, the threads seemed specific to upper beaks, and trimming for length vs width.
So has anyone seen this condition, and would you address it yourself, or take it to a vet? I have done bird beaks, so I am probably ok with the technical aspect of the procedure. Of course my biggest concern would be bleeding. So Please let me know how you would handle this on your tortoise.
Thanks in advance - From what I have read, there are hundreds of years worth combined experience here, so I appreciate any advice you all can offer