Claws

Use this forum to discuss general questions about any aspects of tortoise care.
Post Reply
TortyPerson
Posts: 56
Joined: 15 Aug 2021, 11:06

Claws

Post by TortyPerson » 02 Oct 2021, 11:22

Hello all,

Yet another question from us as we learn about tortoises :?

Do claws need to be trimmed? If yes how often? How can you tell if they are too long?

The tortoise is a 7 year old spur thighed.

Thanks for reading,

TP

User avatar
Nina
Posts: 2003
Joined: 16 Mar 2017, 11:22

Re: Claws

Post by Nina » 02 Oct 2021, 13:53

Hi TP (for some reason our notification system isn't working today and we aren't being notified of new posts, so I'm just scanning the forum to pick them up).

Claws don't often need to be trimmed, but sometimes they do. Tortoises do need claws for digging and tearing food, but if they don't have a means to wear them down (like walking on stones or digging outdoors), then they can get too long and need to be trimmed). If it looks like long claws are actually interfering with their walkng then they definitely need to be trimmed. Otherwise, I wouldn't worry too much.

If you do trim the tortoise's nail, you should use a proper nail trimmer, and beware that tortoises have a 'quick' inside the nail, like birds,which is a blood vessel, and if you cut too much off you can cut into the quick and cause bleeding. If you're unsure then I would ask a vet to do it. Hope that helps.

Nina

TortyPerson
Posts: 56
Joined: 15 Aug 2021, 11:06

Re: Claws

Post by TortyPerson » 02 Oct 2021, 16:19

Thank you Nina - very helpful as always!

Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 22 guests