I have a 2-3 year old common map hatchling that seems to have, for lack of a better word, an Underbite. The bottom jaw sticks out farther than the top can accomadate and the result is that it can no longer shut its mouth. I was wondering what I can do to rectify this. Thanks.
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Map Turtle Underbite
KingBobb
Sep 05, 2003 09:23 PM
Replies (4)
Colchicine
Sep 05, 2003 10:25 PM
A turtles Beak is worn down naturally by its food. The more abrasive foods you give it, and the more it has to manipulate those foods, the better it will keep the beak worn down. Of course, you did not give us a list of foods to you feed it. Nevertheless, it will probably need to be taken to a veterinarian to grind it down.
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...the oldest task in human history: to live on a piece of land without spoiling it."
Aldo Leopold (1938)
KingBobb
Sep 05, 2003 10:33 PM
I mainly feed Reptomin and aquatic insects such as dragonfly and mayfly larvae. I have a cuttlebone in the tank as well. I've noticed it trying to eat snails before, but without much sucess. It isn't big enough to crack the shells.
athos_76
Sep 11, 2003 08:04 AM
About the snails... I got to my local Petsmart who have a slight snail infestation is some of there tanks... No kidding, I went up to a tank to look at some snails... and the gravel was moving. So I look a little closer... and it was almost completely covered in tiny snails... So I asked the manager how much for some... He grabbed a bag and a net and gave me about 50 snails. So now my baby snappers have a nice treat everyday... And they love them. The snails are small enough to be eaten, but not large enough to where my kids can't crack the shell.
erico
Sep 11, 2003 02:08 PM
There are two possible causes of this condition (especially in map turtles). Either the lower beak grows too far out or the crushing plates in the jaw (not bone, not calcium but keratin, like the beak) overgrows in the absence of a hard-shelled mollusc diet. This is a very delicate situation, as you can easily damage the jaw structures. I once had a dentist work on my map turtle with a "scaler" and he commented on how easy it would be to break the keratin structures. Consult a knowlegeable herp vet or a herp-friendly dentist for advice.
