General Care Discussion :: Missing Claws!!!

[pajamatree]

I took Little Foot out of the tank yesterday to hang out with him and I noticed that a few of his back claws are missing. I have no idea how it happened or how long they've been gone for. Does anyone know whether or not turtles claws grow back? I have a feeling it was from the aggressive and territorial turtle I used to have about four months ago but I'm not sure if they should have grown back since then. I don't think Gnarles did it because she has NEVER shown signs of aggression and is generally very motherly towards Little Foot.

So, I'm kind of confused and don't know what to do.

[TheComputerGremlin]

Umm, far as I understand, the claws won't grow back if the toe bed is missing (like if part of the toe is missing), but they might grow back if the toe bed is still intact. Think of it like your own fingers and toes, if your whole nail comes off, there are chances it will never grow back (my dad is missing his toe nail on one of his big toes). But if just part of it is damaged, it should heal.

[SpotsMama]

Ummmm....turtles don't really have motherly behavior. Momma turtles lay their eggs then disappear. They aren't parental, they don't pair bond and though some tolerate other turtles in their living space, many do not. And sometimes turtles that have lived together peacefully for a long time suddenly start fighting.

Do you see any sign of injury where the claws used to be? If there's any hint of an open wound, you need to clean the area thoroughly and dab it with antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin). Keep her dry long enough for the antibiotic to sink in before returning her to extra clean water. If there's any sign of infection, she'll have to see a vet.

I am suspicious of Gnarles. If they were my turtles, I'd start planning a way to separate them. Better safe than sorry.

[Dein211]

when i got rolo, all but one of her toes on her hind left lg were missing. i thought they got chomped off too far for them to grow back but ten months later they are growing back. i got rolo like that though so if one of your turts is the culprit then seperate them

[pajamatree]

The nails have been cut off just above his skin, leaving room for growth. I don't think Gnarles did it, awhile ago Little Foot was abused pretty bad by my other turtle, Stinky, so I had to give him away. I think that's what has happened, but I guess I should start planning a separation just in case something happens.

[DebbieJean]

Goblin is missing a claw too just one on his front paw. He still has his toe. He is alone in his aquarium, not sure how or when he lost it.

[marisa]

One of my painteds once had a claw bitten off. It grew back, but took a long time to do so.