How do I trim my Russian tortoises nails? Because they were Long when I got him, but I dot know how to trim them! See how long they are?!
Kristina said:Russians have longer nails than some torts. They are diggers, plain and simple, and need to be able to dig through hard packed ground that is full of rocks, so nature made them that way. Your tort's nails are a LITTLE too long, but not bad, really.
Trimming a tortoise's nails is similar to trimming the nails of a dog, cat, rabbit, etc. You want to make sure to use a nice SHARP pair of nippers, because their nails are thick and strong. Dog clippers work perfect, but they have to be SHARP or they can split or shatter the nail and that is not good. You do not want to cut too much initially, because just like with a dog or other animal, the longer the nail gets the longer the "quick" is. The quick is the part in the center of the nail that contains nerves and blood vessels. Animals can literally bleed to death from having the quick cut into. It is best to have some styptic powder on hand to stop any bleeding that occurs.
Trim a little at a time, allowing a couple of weeks in between trims. Feed your tortoise on a rough piece of slate or cement, and this will help wear down the beak and nails. Allow outside time and digging to keep them worn down as well.
Kristina said:You do not want to cut too much initially, because just like with a dog or other animal, the longer the nail gets the longer the "quick" is ... Trim a little at a time, allowing a couple of weeks in between trims.