Trimming a Turtle's Beak

• 1
  Bone from a cuttlefish can help keep the beak trim.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  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.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  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.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Gently but firmly grasp the turtle's head by the sides, not top and bottom.
  
  
• 4
  Emery boards are gentle enough to use.Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images
  
  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.