Horsefield claws missing = new owner
 

Hi, brand new to the forum and have had my 4 month old Horsefield (Zippy) for a week now. She is very active and eating and drinking so seems to be very happy although I think she is still scared of me. Any advice on handling and making her more comfortable with me would be great.

I noticed a few days ago that she has some claws missing and I can't seem to find an answer to why and if they will grow back. I don't know if they've never been there or if they have just fell off. She has 4 on her right front leg, 2 on her left front leg, 3 on her back left leg and 3 on the back right leg. There is no blood or apparent infection just little stubs where the claw would be. Attached pictures.

Any help would be greatly appreciated, Rachel.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/151585...posted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151585...posted-public/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/151585...posted-public/

Hi Rachel,

Welcome to the forum and congrats on becoming a tort owner. It brings joys and many worries, but it is all worth it.

I cannot comment on the claws, hopefully someone with more experience can help there. Maybe a trip to a reputable tortoise specialist vet may help with a health check. There is a thread on here with a list, if you do not know a local tort vet.

Regarding handling, I always remember the first advice I was given when I became a tort owner, which was to wash your hands before and after handling. This ensures the tort recognises your smell as you (not as your latest meal etc.) and becomes familiar with you.

Build up handling, start with stroking their shell, then letting her sit in your hand. Make sure there are no fast movements, as this can cause them to pull into their shell.

I usually start the day by stroking her shell and she still pulls her head in. But it soon pops out again for chin tickles.


PS there are no pictures attached, it will take a few posts (I think 5) before the forum will allow you to post pictures. So try commenting a few more times.

Horsfields usually have 4 claws on each foot. They could have been lost for many reasons. Unfortunately they don't grow back but she can manage just fine without them.

Welcome to the forum.

Zippy will be shy and it does take time. I may have put a human interpretation to this as perhaps a better explanation is the defence mechanism related to self preservation.

It took me a while to learn that any change takes time too. For example I had this idea that when I changed their tort table to something much more spacious they would be so happy and of course hid away at first.

Hi, thank you very much for responding! I think I will take her to the vet for a health check just to make sure everything is fine because i'm a worrier lol.
I have taken your advice and she seems to be coming round to me a bit more now so that's great! Yes, i noticed after I had posted that the pictures did not attach I will try again later. Thank you again! :)

Thank you!

Yes that makes so much sense. I think she is coming round to me now she still flinches when I go to pick her up but doesnt scramble as much when she is in my hands. Thank you for replying!

Welcome to the forum ! wait til she bites you ! very cute tortoises the Horsfield and funnily enough they are actually the most gregarious by nature if not bought up together but they can be the worst biters...I remember Daisy being bitten by her little friend over 20 years ago on her neck, blood everywhere and she still bears the scars....Friend is still her friend though.

Mine are like little velociraptors , CB

Mine are like little velociraptors , CB[/QUOTE]

This mad me laugh, Clare!!

This mad me laugh, Clare!![/QUOTE]

That made me smile too seeing your comment - Honestly they are. if you see that scene from Jurassic park where they are pecking at each other in the kitchen scene. that's them that is ! :-D