Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey is just signed-up, I'm a Dutch reptilianist Next to other animals I have 1 Sav. monitor, Dino. Since I have him (feb. 2003) his nails grown some mm. and in my eyes they are a little long. So I was wondering if you people clip them, since most use bark which doesn't "damage" the nails, like it naturally would.

Thanks in advance, Drahn Utdruka

It will not harm the monitor if done correctly, and it will save you some skin. LOL

I have found this is the most "fun" item of care to do when you have no help *LOL*. My water doesn't like to have her toes messed with so trimming the nails goes something like "watch the nail, no the bitey end, no the nail." I goes a lot easier if you find someone who isn't afraid to clip while you hold. Just my experience.

Hello Drahn
(That's a real cool name, BTW, mind if I use it for a monitor?)
I have always clipped my animal's nails, for many reasons. I can touch them way more gently without thick gloves, use the least amount of restraint, and if they do happen to jump down and walk across the carpet, they are not getting their feet stuck in the loops.
When they were more timid, I used to be able to sit them in my lap and cut them, but no more! I would get slapped silly now.
I don't have a second person to use, but wouldn't if I did. I think restraint stresses them.
So to minimize stress, I put them on the bathroom floor in the corner and drop a towel over their head. And put my foot behind their butt so they bump into it if backing up. They are more concerned with finding their way out of the towel than what I do to their feet. I also don't restrain their feet, if they pull their foot away, I let them. Then I pick it up again, I'm persistant.
They just sort of bump around, and don't panic, its pretty comical. And I get all the toes done without danger of a bite. Works for me.
D.

Thanks guys, Dino is a sweetiepie, I'm sure I can clip him by myself, on my lap, without tail-slapping.

Name using > no problemo, it's just a stupid nickname I used playing Starcraft online, and ever since.

My water is a little skittish, so maybe this will help.