Overgrown Beak

[NudistApple]

Hey guys.

I've just started a new job over at my local reservoir, and we do animal shows with turtles and snakes and things that have been turned in by people, or badly injured.

We have this one box turtle who has a very overgrown beak, and I was wondering what I can do to help him with it? Apparently the last time they brought him to the vet to have it trimmed, the vet hurt him, so they don't want to do that again.

I know I could give him a cuttle bone, and maybe a little piece of slate, but is there anything else?

Aside from the enclosures really not being big enough (in most cases) the animals are very well taken care of. This is almost the only animal with a very obvious issues. He's just such a nice little turtle, and I would like to help him out.

Thanks.

 

[yagyujubei]

I would say that if it's overgrown to the point that it interferes with eating, it needs to be trimmed. If it's not that bad yet, you can try other meathods to wear it naturally. Feed him on a piece of rough sandstone and spread it around thinly rather than a pile.

 

[NudistApple]

I honestly don't know if it interferes with feeding. I lead programs, so I'm usually not there that early in the morning when everybody gets fed. It's pretty long though. I guess I could bring him something delicious to see how he does with it. What is an irresistible box turtle treat?

 

[yagyujubei]

Worms/nightcrawlers, slugs

I honestly don't know if it interferes with feeding. I lead programs, so I'm usually not there that early in the morning when everybody gets fed. It's pretty long though. I guess I could bring him something delicious to see how he does with it. What is an irresistible box turtle treat?

 

[Jacob]

Do you have pictures you can take and show?
if its bad or interferes with feeding he def. needs a trimming from a vet.
If its miner or mild, just feed him on rock or slate and give cuddle bone and hard sprouts from dark leafy greens.

 

[NudistApple]

I don't have another program until Tuesday, and it isn't even one with them (it's a pond study) but I will ask if someone can let me into the animal room and take a picture then.

 

[turtlemann2]

Sometimes they are so badly overgrown they begin to starve due to just how difficult it is to eat . Other times they are only slightly overgrown and as other have said should be worn down naturally. Pictures will help in determining which path of action should be taken, cant wait to see him

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

You could try filing it gently and a little bit at a time with a nail file. I foster home for a sulcata hatchling that had jaw issues and his beak would get over grown. it worked well and after time he got used to it and would tolerate it well.

 

[turtlemann2]

You could try filing it gently and a little bit at a time with a nail file. I foster home for a sulcata hatchling that had jaw issues and his beak would get over grown. it worked well and after time he got used to it and would tolerate it well.

Yeah that would work, i want to comment on your two chihuahuas the look EXACTLY like my two a tan male named taco bell and the black with white chest female named is-a-bell

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

Yeah that would work, i want to comment on your two chihuahuas the look EXACTLY like my two a tan male named taco bell and the black with white chest female named is-a-bell

Ha ha ha they are like twins but opposite! The black and white one is flash daddy (the original pimp daddy) he is my boy. the tan one is my female she is named Cleo bear. They are 12 years old and have been with me since I was 18. I love the names!!

 

[turtlemann2]

Well i Like them they remind me of my two whom happen to be snuggling me right now <3

 

[Melly-n-shorty]

Well i Like them they remind me of my two whom happen to be snuggling me right now <3

You should post pics in the other pets section I'd love to see them! Chihuahua are the best dogs IMO.

 

[turtlemann2]

Will do seeing as were pretty off topic http://www.tortoiseforum.org/Thread-My-Bale-of-Turtles-and-other-Critters#axzz1vtMNOLW5 scroll down through the pictures my isabell or bella is black everywhere except her chest which you actually cant see in the picture

 

[NudistApple]

So, I ended up not having a chance to take a picture yesterday, and I had only a few seconds today, so this is the best I could do;

 

[tyrs4u]

I suggest a different Vet for that size of a beak, if it was smaller I would say use cat nail clippers or most people use a Dremel

 

[turtlemann2]

The injury most likly occured from him strugling with the vibration of the dremmel. I suggest having him put under and the beak trimmed. The earlier advice was for much shorter beaks. Cant Wait to see him all better

 

[dmmj]

OMG is he part elephant?

 

[turtlemann2]

Part ant eater actually, LOL

 

[NudistApple]

I will suggest it to my supervisors. I thought it was pretty bad, but I've never really seen an overgrown beak, so I wasn't sure.

 

[dmmj]

He needs one badly, I would strongly suggest it, I can't imagine how it eats like that. Probably one of the worst I have ever seen.