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Can you trim their beaks?

bdssff2 Sep 14, 2004 09:49 PM

I heard somewhere that you can trim their beaks (box turtles) two of my new turtles have some really long beaks and I dont want this to develope into a problem.Thanks Brandon

2.4.5 Ornate Box Turtles

Replies (3)

chris_mcmartin Sep 15, 2004 07:42 PM

I have two box turtles and I've had their beaks trimmed twice. I think it only cost $5 per turtle each time, done by a herp vet. All they do is use a Dremel tool and grind the beaks down. I wouldn't do it myself, because you can grind too much away and harm the turtle.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Rouen Sep 17, 2004 01:03 PM

it'd be easier on your turtles if you just fed them on a hard surface like a rock. hard surfaces will also keep their nails in check, also feed harder foods like fresh carrots.
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chris_mcmartin Sep 19, 2004 01:38 PM

>>it'd be easier on your turtles if you just fed them on a hard surface like a rock. hard surfaces will also keep their nails in check, also feed harder foods like fresh carrots.

Good point that I failed to bring up. I also do this.

For some reason, my turtles never needed a beak trim until I'd had them for about 15 years--then their beaks started growing much more rapidly.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

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