I have a baby leopard tortoise who's nails need cutting. There are no professionals in my area that deal with them so, Does anyone know if it's safe for me to do it myself??
All help greatly appreciated. :0)
2007-12-03 04:34:36 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Reptiles
Kamran...He's lovely. It was £160 from a pet shop out of town. :0)
2007-12-03 04:46:15 · update #1
Thanks Kevin....That's just what I needed.x
2007-12-03 05:00:16 · update #2
Aww, i want one now as well! This is the best i could find. Scroll down to section 4:
http://www.reptilesupply.com/article_info.php?articles_id=19
2007-12-03 04:56:19 · answer #1 · answered by Kev 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is not real smart to cut a baby tortoise's nails- stressful and potentially a BIG chance for infections- the 'quick' is AWFULLY easy to cut!
Instead, change the substrate to something with a little more grit. Mixing in some sand in many substrates will work nicely. A flat rock under the heat lamp works, too.
Check the diet as well. It MAY be too heavy in calcium. Normally we want a ton of calcium (nicely balanced with phosphorous on a 3 or 4:1 ratio of Ca:P, as well as good levels of vitamin D3, magnesium, etc.)
However, excess calcium can show up as long nails, thin overgorwn edges to the shell, etc.
Give http://www.tortoisetrust.org a try for some good info.
2007-12-03 11:23:49 · answer #2 · answered by Madkins007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have never personally looked at the nails on a tortoise, but if you have a clipper and can see the quick, use the clipper to nip off the tips without harming the quick. If you cut the quick, the nail will bleed and it is very painful for the animal.
2007-12-03 04:38:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Check this URL. There are lots of sites about tortoises. I would check with a vet before cutting it's nails. I think they are supposed to wear down against rough material in their cage or box.
2007-12-03 04:49:10 · answer #4 · answered by Citizen1984 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would contact a vet in your area and see what they can do. If they can't do it for you, they are the ones qualified to give you advice.
I also have a tortoise and we have never trimmed or had trimmed her nails. They either stay long or they break off on their own. I don't know if it is necessary to trim the nails.
2007-12-03 04:40:02 · answer #5 · answered by blahdeblah 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They don't need their nails to be cut. Just give them a log or a rock, and their nails will be under control naturally. I've never cut my tortoise's.
2007-12-03 05:05:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Ouch! Maybe you have tried the vet, thats what I would do, you may have to go outwith your area, Good Luck
2007-12-03 07:50:16 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
hi welsh cake
thats cool, i want one, how much did it cost
2007-12-03 04:38:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
who cuts turtle nails?!?!?!
2007-12-03 04:37:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋