Everything ok with beak?

[hannah_js]

I've noticed that my tortoise has formed a split just to the right of his beak. He didn't have this before and I initially thought it was shed but I don't think it is.

He's about 4 years old and I believe was raised in a dry environment as a baby before I got him. He's now got all the lamps and humidity around 70%.

Can someone please let me know if this is normal/common, or if there's anything I can do about it. The other side of his face is fine.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

This isn't caused by shedding, tortoises don't shed their whole beaks. This has been caused by his beak being overgrown and then cracked, like a nail.

There are two risks with beaks like this:
1. Food could get stuck in the crack and harbor bacteria
2. The crack could get worse and a whole piece of the beak could split off, this would make eating harder.

I recommend getting a beak trim and advice from a vet with tortoise or an avian vet who has done beak trims on birds.

Here is a thread about a tortoise with a similar, but worse problem:

Beak broken

Hi I just noticed my radiata has this shell rot like wound on her beak , I clean it up and now looks like this . Will this part grow back ?

tortoiseforum.org

 

[hannah_js]

This isn't caused by shedding, tortoises don't shed their whole beaks. This has been caused by his beak being overgrown and then cracked, like a nail.

There are two risks with beaks like this:
1. Food could get stuck in the crack and harbor bacteria
2. The crack could get worse and a whole piece of the beak could split off, this would make eating harder.

I recommend getting a beak trim and advice from a vet with tortoise or an avian vet who has done beak trims on birds.

Here is a thread about a tortoise with a similar, but worse problem:

Beak broken

Hi I just noticed my radiata has this shell rot like wound on her beak , I clean it up and now looks like this . Will this part grow back ?

tortoiseforum.org

This isn't caused by shedding, tortoises don't shed their whole beaks. This has been caused by his beak being overgrown and then cracked, like a nail.

There are two risks with beaks like this:
1. Food could get stuck in the crack and harbor bacteria
2. The crack could get worse and a whole piece of the beak could split off, this would make eating harder.

I recommend getting a beak trim and advice from a vet with tortoise or an avian vet who has done beak trims on birds.

Here is a thread about a tortoise with a similar, but worse problem:

Beak broken

Hi I just noticed my radiata has this shell rot like wound on her beak , I clean it up and now looks like this . Will this part grow back ?

tortoiseforum.org

Thank you! I've booked him in at the vet today and I've definitely learnt my lesson about watching his beak growth more carefully.

 

[The_Four_Toed_Edward]

Thank you! I've booked him in at the vet today and I've definitely learnt my lesson about watching his beak growth more carefully.

The vet should give you instructions on how his injury will affect his beak growth and trimming needs in the future!

 

[Littleredfootbigredheart]

Hope the vet visit helps! Let us know how you get on!

Whilst you’re here, if you’re willing to share more on how you keep him that would be wonderful! It’s nice to see with new members

Is he indoors or outdoors?
If indoors..
What are your temperatures like? Ie basking temp(directly under the bulb), overall day temps, night temps?
What kind of basking bulb are you using specifically? Packaging photos are good if you have any
What’s your indoor uv type?
How’s humidity reading?
What kind of substrate?

A photo of the set up would be wonderful! If you’re willing to share! Welcome to the forum from a fellow uk member!!