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clipping toenails/claws question

profilergirl Feb 02, 2007 11:25 AM

Is this something that needs to be done with beardies eventually? If so, when, and what is the best way to do it? I think he is still too small now (he's about 10 inches) but his little claws are getting long and sharp. Can you use a baby safety fingernail clipper, or is it best to use one of the dog-style ones for smaller pets?

Replies (4)

JRhine Feb 02, 2007 12:29 PM

I use regular finger nail clipper, and haven't had any problems! They make nice clean cuts and leave no little scragglers.

Jessica
www.yellowroomreptiles.com

BDlvr Feb 02, 2007 07:24 PM

You can buy reptile clippers on line and at some pet stores. They are kinda like scissors with a V groove. I clip some of mine but not very often. I have read some people do it weekly. I only do it when they are so sharp that my hands begin to get very scratched up. Have a stiptic pencil in case you take too much off.

If your tank setup has nothing to wear down their nails, you will have to consider it, because eventually they grow so long it will cause their toes to bend permanently. I would wait till they're mostly full grown.

starmom Feb 02, 2007 07:37 PM

I also use the nail clippers "human" my boys and girls are so tame and calm, they watch but mostly dont care, good point about the steptic pen, thankfully ive never had to use it.....

good luck
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Life is what happens when you are making other plans.......

evilbill Feb 09, 2007 08:45 AM

I use the $4.00 clippers you get at Wal*Mart for clipping nails on a cat. They are almost exactly like the expensive ones for lizards, just much cheaper.

Mainly, when you clip the nails, don't clip down where it's dark colored, just clip the light colored almost clear portion of the nail. Luckily, with beardies, if you do cut too much and get the quick, they do not bleed but a drop or two.

Unless your beardies get lots of exercise and on rough surfaces, you'll need to clip their nails. If you don't, it will cause their toes to curl and malform. Clipping toe nails is easier than cleaning scent glands...at least on my male

Best of luck!

Bill

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1.0.0 Rottie/Malamute/Sheppard "Bear"
1.0.0 Pit Bull/Siberian Husky "Tonka"
0.1.0 Tabby "Cuddle Butt"
0.0.1 Brindled Rat Snake "Templeton"
0.0.1 Normal Ball Python "Monty"
1.1.0 Bearded Dragons "Odin" and "Hera"

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