Cutting my beardies nails

[NickyandKiki]

Hi I'm after abit of advice
Kiki's nails are getting rather long and sharp I've got him on tile in his viv but they still need cutting anyone got any tips on how to do this and how long I should keep them he's grown loads over the last couple of weeks but I'm still wary of hurting his little toes.

Thanks Nicky

 

[kcarello]

Use the little cat nail trimmers, they sort of look like little scissors. I find it easier if you get someone else to hold the dragon to do this. Then just snip off the nail that is grown out past the clear part / cuticle. Mine doesn't mind this being done at all and it is very easy to do. Just don't cut up into the clear part.

 

[Mirrorakay]

I always wait until Zeke's lights have been out for an hour or so to trim his nails. By then he's pretty much past the point of caring and just wants to sleep. It makes the whole thing easier.

 

[NickyandKiki]

Thanks for the advice guys much appreciated

 

[SpikesAgirl]

I will usually do nail trimming after a soak. They are softer and don't split/peel as much as when they are dry. I use clippers made for Iguanas & larger size reptiles. I just clip off the tip. I guess it depends on how big your beardie is if you can use those or not. They work FANTASTICALLY! They are made by Four Paws. I think I got them at Petco. Hope that helps!

*edit* I've also used baby nail clippers when mine was a baby. A little cumbersome, but it worked!

 

[Mustashio]

Do you have to cut their nails? I was wondering about this myself when I came across this post. My scaley baby is only 5months, but they are getting long. He's on reptile carpet and has a wood climb and occasionally I see him getting snagged on it, but otherwise doesn't seem to bother him. Also, when do their nails typically turn black? My guy's nails are still clear and have a small tip of black in the middle. Does that mean something?

(Sorry...I don't mean to hijack your post! But I have some of the same questions!)

~Jill

 

[kcarello]

Hey Jill, You bet you need to cut them!! Maybe not yet if your is only 5 months, but in a couple months you are gonna get completley scratched up if you don't!!

 

[Mustashio]

Good to know! I'm sure I would've found out eventually! Even if it was the hard way!

 

[kcarello]

Yep, I did! I was getting so scratched up, but I kept thnking she was too little and her nails too tiny for me to cut them. On a vet trip, after she scratched the vet up pretty good, the vet did it, I watched and now keep them done, and no more scratches!!