how to file down a beak?

[concretegirl24]

I adopted my dear Reznov from a tortoise rescue place. He wasn't there for very long before I got him, but his previous owner hardly took care of him. His beak is very long, it hangs well below his lower lip and makes eating difficult and frustrating for him. My parents won't let me go to a vet for a beak trim because of the cost, but he needs a trim soon! I have tried filing it down, but I cannot keep his head out of his shell. It's hard to hold his head out without feeling like I'm pressing too hard and hurting him. Any tips for a diy beak trim?

[KQ6AR]

I've never had to do it to any of mine. Many people feed there tortoises on a rough rock, so they wear it down as they eat naturally.
This might not help you with the overgrowth though.

[Jules]

save up some money.  let your parents know that the beak is interfering with him eating.

[Betty]

Alot of exotic vets will just let you come in for just a beak trim.  That way you don't have to pay for a full office visit.  At my vet a beak trim costs $20.50.  You really need to let a vet do this.  I agree it is hard to keep those heads out of the shell, when they are determined to avoid you.  They are really quite strong.

[concretegirl24]

Oh, does it have to be an exotic vet? I've never even heard of such a thing. But I guess a regular vet is used to cats, dogs, and more common pets, is that it? I'll try and find out about any exotic vets in the area, thanks.

[mikachase]

When you look in the phone book most vets that see reptiles or other things that are not just cats and dogs will either list them or say exotic pets. I know most of the ones around here do at least.

[concretegirl24]

Ok, his beak is filed most of the way down. Eating is a lot easier for him now, though I plan to file it the rest of the way down tomorrow.