Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I have a wonderful RES named Squirdle. He/she (I don't know the gender yet) is about 2 1/2 years old. Very healthy and active. So active, that sometimes he resists when I try to pick him up and I end up getting scratched my his claws. Is there such thing as 'claw trimming' for turtles? IF so, do I do it myself or bring him to the vet?

Thanks!

JU

yes claw trimming is done quite commonly but it should be done only if the nails are very long. It is not a good idea to take away your turtle's natural tools. S/he needs them to tear apart food and search the bottom for scraps and in courting behavior before mating. I do not suggest you trim the claws simply beacsue you don't want to be scratched. Most sliders prefer not to be handled much anyway.

If you do plan to do it, you should be very careful as you can cut a vein and cause lots of bleeding.

Thank you. In that case, I'll probably leave the claws as they are. I get scratched when I take him/her out of the tank to walk around my house or outside, but it's not worth 'de-clawing' ... Thanks again.

My turtle goes out on walks on grass and cement occasionally he partially buries himself as well...he claws are long but dull...overtime your turtle will be more and more calm around you so you won't get scratched...make sure he sees you coming that way he won't be startled when you left him out of the water...do everything slowly we're giants to these animals

Having some rocks and gravel in the tank to dig in and wear claws on might help, but otherwise, just hold the turtle so that the claws can't get you. You shouldn't need to trim a turtle's claws if it is kept in a proper environment.