Cracked Beak? - Russian tortoise

Sandradoucet12

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Hello everyone! I noticed my tortoise beak looks like it has a crack? Please give advice. Thank you. Do I need to trim her beak shorter? Maybe it's a stress crack? Maybe he is dehydrated? IMG_20190723_181125.jpegIMG_20190723_184926.jpegIMG_20190723_184932.jpegIMG_20190723_184927.jpegIMG_20190723_181126__01.jpeg
 

Sandradoucet12

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crimson_lotus

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As you have already suggested, I would definitely get their beak trimmed! You may also want to start giving him cuttlebone to keep the beak length down for the future
 

JoesMum

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The beak is overgrown. You need to trim the beak before a piece breaks off. A vet can do it if you’re not happy having a go.

Things you can do to prevent this in future:
- Feed food that needs to be torn at by the tort; don’t chop it up. Weeds are more fibrous than lettuce.
- Let your tortoise have an outdoor enclosure incorporating a bit of weedy lawn for it to graze on.
- Put a cuttlebone in to be chomped on. Buy one from the bird aisle of the pet store.
- Put food on a rough surface, eg a piece of flat rock or slate, or even the ‘wrong’ rough side of a ceramic wall tile.
 

Sandradoucet12

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He will not eat the cuttle bone. How often can I trim the beak? I just trimmed it before the picture. I don't chop up any of the foods. I feed on a rough surface also.
Thank you for answering.
 

Sandradoucet12

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Ah, I had no idea. I went by what my friend who gave it to me told me. I know the beak has nerves. So I don't want to trim it to short to fast also.
 
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