How to Trim the Beak on a Land Turtle

Like the teeth of rodents, turtle beaks continue to grow throughout the animal's lifetime. As they have no teeth, this characteristic allows them to continue grinding food efficiently as they age. In the wild, turtles have to rely on their diets and environment to keep their beaks from becoming overgrown. Captive turtles, however, may lack abrasives in their diets and develop overgrown beaks that require trimming to keep the animal healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Old towel or rag large enough to wrap around the turtle
  • Wooden dowel, spoon or old credit card
  • Emery board or other non-metal nail file
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Instructions

  1. Trimming a Turtle's Beak

    • 1
      Bone from a cuttlefish can help keep the beak trim.

      Fast the turtle for two days. This will help prevent a mess if it defecates during the trimming.

    • 2
      Coax the turtle to extend its neck.

      Sitting on the floor, place the towel in your lap and brace the turtle tightly between your thighs. The turtle's head should be facing up.

    • 3
      Holding the top and bottom of the turtle's head will cut off its airflow.

      Gently but firmly grasp the turtle's head by the sides, not top and bottom.

    • 4
      Emery boards are gentle enough to use.

      Gently rasp at the outside of the beak with the emery board, using the dowel to pry open the mouth if necessary. Do not rasp inside of the mouth, or you may injure the turtle.