How to Trim Pet Turtle Claws

Use gentle care when handling your turtle to prevent spinal injuries.

In the wild, turtles trim their claws by digging in the ground while foraging for food and building their nests. Most domesticated turtles live inside and, unless they are allowed to roam on concrete, don't have this opportunity for self-grooming. Overgrown claws can result in the animal being unable to walk properly without pain. Learning how to trim your turtle's nails improves the life of your pet and saves you money on a veterinary visit.

Things You'll Need

• Old towel
• Helper
• Human or bird nail clippers
• Damp cotton swab
• Styptic powder

Instructions

1. Hold your turtle between your knees on an old towel. The towel catches any mess if the turtle eliminates during the procedure. You can also ask a helper to restrain the turtle for you by clutching the sides of the shell.

2. Grasp one foot gently, but securely, in one hand and keep the toes spread. Don't allow your turtle to draw the foot back into its shell.

3. Trim just the tip of the nail using the clippers in your other hand. If you cut into the nail's quick, dip your damp cotton swab into the styptic powder and apply the powder to the bleeding nail.

4. Go around the entire turtle, trimming all four feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Tipping your turtle's nails regularly causes the quick to withdraw, so that eventually the claws shorten themselves over time, says Tess Cook, author of "Box Turtles," on the Box Turtle Care and Conservation website.

• If your turtle has dark nails making it hard to see the quick, hold the claws near a bright lamp or flashlight to ensure you don't cut too far.

• Consult your veterinarian if your turtle's claws or beak grow extremely long. This can often be a sign of a nutritional deficiency, according to the Gulf Coast Turtle and Tortoise Society.

• Keep any styptic powder you use away from the turtle's skin or eyes as it burns the tissues.

• Hold your turtle by the sides or the back of its shell. Exerting excessive force on the roof of the shell can cause back and spinal problems.

References

• "Exotic Animal Care"; Thomas Tully, DVM, MS; Mark Mitchell, DVM, MS; 2001
• Box Turtle Care and Conservation: Health Care for Box Turtles
• Gulf Coast Turtle and Tortoise Society: FAQs

Resources

• ReptileSupply.com: Care Information for Turtles