Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i have a BTS and it seems that his nails grow very quickly. i frequently trim the tips off in fear that if i leave them the nails will grow too long and possibly cause injury via getting stuck on something or growing back into the foot.

i am writing to ask whether this practice is appropriate, and if there is a way to adjust the environment to promote shorter nails. he is currently housed on recycled paper pulp bedding.

thanks!
k

not sure about the nail trimming, but if you put in a rock for him to climb/walk on it should help keep the nails trimmed down naturally.
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1.0 RES, Spunky
1.0 African mud turtle (P. castaneus), "Francois the Tortois"
1.0.1 Mali Uromastyx, Ajani, Guban(Goober)
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa, Nico
0.0.1 Northern Blue Tongue Skink, Owajabi(Jabi)
0.0.1 African bullfrog, Ushi
3.1 Cats
1/2.0 rabbit (friend and I went 50/50)

trimming the nails by hand is fine, providing you take care not to clip into the 'quick' of the nail. This is where all the bloodvessels etc of the nail is. As BTS nails are pretty clear, shouldn't be difficult to avoid the quick. If your blue tongue happens to have dark nails, just clip the very tip of the nail. (not sure if other species of BT's have dark nails, I do know my Northerns have clear nails).

Sharp cat or human nail clippers work best.

Rough surfaces in their cage certainly will help them naturally wear down their nails. A large flat rock, packed earth to burrow in, wood surfaces, fine sandpaper (200 grit or finer (the higher the number, the finer the sandpaper)) stapled or glued around wood, or other objects, ceramic tiles etc, will all help wear down your skink's nails. Just make sure there are softer surfaces around so your skink isn't forced on rough surfaces all the time.
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PHLdyPayne

We got a vet to do it the first time, she used a dremel. (A tool found in most hardware stores) With a sander on the end she just slowly sanded it down.

most blueys have a spot they like to religiously dig at. just place a piece of sandstone at the spot.
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1 Eastern Blue Tongue Skink
2 Tarahumara Mountain Kingsnakes - Knoblochi
1 Thayer's Kingsnake - Thayeri
2 Golden Greek Tortoises
1 Pyxie Frog - 14 years old