Reptile & Amphibian Forums

How do you determine that your torts beek is too long and in need of a trim. It's been about 2 years since the girl's beaks have been trimmed. My ornate box looks pretty good still, but the Bell's hinged back is starting to look long. How long is too long, and what guide lines do people use for determining when the beaks are in need of trimming.

Thanks,

Angela

My box turtle has to get his beak trimmed once a year because it doesn't line up quite right. I get it done when he starts having trouble grabbing his food. That usually happens when the top starts going over the bottom.

That is hard to define...but you will know it when you see it if you can look at other turtles/tortoises of the same species. You need to know what "normal" is. It should not interfere with feeding, and of course will if seriously overgrown. Examine your husbandry and see if there is something you can do to prevent overgrowing. Some think diet contributes to overgrowing if they only get soft, easy to eat items. Others believe some abrasion by putting food on flat rocks helps keep it in trim. I have seen it in rehab animals fed a diet of lettuce...less common in animals fed a varied diet that requires them to work a bit, i.e. cactus, cuttle bone, etc. Good luck, any(?) competent VET can trim it, and you can learn yourself by watching if you are the confident type. You must know what is normal so you/Vet can grind to an effective cutting tool. Good luck