Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have two mice, and their toenails are getting extremely overgrown. Does anyone have any suggestions about what to do for this? One of my friends suggested putting a large, flat, rough rock in their cage so they'll walk on it and file their nails down. I tried this, but they do everything but walk on the rock. They dig under it, cover it with bedding, etc. Another friend suggested clipping their nails with a small fingernail clipper. That suggestion proved to be impossible. Anything else? I'm afraid their overgrown nails are going to start causing them real problems pretty soon. Thanks for any advice.

Glue fine sandpaper (150 grade or higher (higher the number, finer the sand used on the sandpaper) to a piece of cardboard or other stiff board, place it underneath/near their food/water dish. This way, they have to cross it several times a day.

You could also buy those hollowed out wooden tubes to add to their cage. They would use it much like a toilet paper tube, something to hide/play in. Another option is to make a cheap (cardboard, why get expensive?) play room/maze that has high enough sides so the mice can't climb out, and line areas with sandpaper, wood, flat rocks/bricks or ceramic tiles. As they run around exploring, should help wear down their nails.

Speaking of ceramic tiles, you could just put a few small ones in their cage. You can buy single ceramic tiles at any hardware store for under $1.

Lots of great ideas. Thank you SOOOO much! I'll try them!