Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Well, we managed to get Cy out of his enclosure Sunday and put in his new & improved basking area. Ari gave him a bath (he didn't care for it but he didn't fuss TOO much)and spent some happy time holding Cy. Cy even ate some little bits of grape out of our hands. It would have been a complete success except that, in our attempt to get him out of the cage, we/he tore one of his claws off. He'd arrived minus one claw & with one broken rear toe(never set- both injuries noted in the vets report). Ari & I both HATE that we caused him harm. I managed to trim 1/2 his nails and treated the torn claw as MK suggests in Igs for Dummies (read that book cover to cover. What a great resource!). Our cage is made of wireless plastic chicken mesh and he's got a few tree limbs. Any advice on calming & calmly retrieving our freaked out little guy?
I'm trying to figure out how to post pictures, we took some this weekend.
Thanks for all the advice & support so far,
Cydney & Ari

Can you replace the screen with solid plywood sides? That would hold in heat better, and you could get him out more easily. Igs can lock their toes into the "hook" position, and not let them straighten out to let go.

Most igs who are new to their homes are skittish and panicky. Just keep reassuring him and picking him up, removing each finger and toe from the mesh, and he'll calm down gradually.

roger

You could turn Cy's lights off for a short period before removing him from the cage. This will allow him to cool down and be a bit less alert and more sluggish. You could also try opening his cage and giving him time to come out on his own. I'm glad Ari got to hold and love on Cy a bit. If Cy didn't lose the nail quick the claw should grow back. Bubbles also pulled a claw when she was about the same age and I can't even remember or tell which one it was now.