newbie question about trimming nails

[chipmunkskink]

Hi everyone, I was just wondering how Blueys trim their nails naturally in the wild? Is there a way they are able to trim it naturally if kept outdoors or something? How often does it have to be trimmed...is there a set thing time to do it or do you have to just decide based on how long it looks to be getting? How difficult is it to do this, I read its advised to have one person hold the Bluey while another one does the trimming? Thanks for the input!

[Scincoides]

In the wild a skinks nails are filed down by rocks and rough terrain. I trim the nails on my animals about once every other month. Or whenever I notice that they are longer than it should be. I do it first thing in the morning, before they have time to heat up. I just set them on my lap and clip the tips once they have calmed down a little.

[Richard.C]

one of the plusses of sand/soil as a substrate is it files claws down naturally as aposed to the soft substrates commonly used for captive animals

the only captives that i have never needed to trim nails on id ones ive kept on washed playsand

[Toria Dawn]

I've never heard that soil works. But that is great to know. Is that applicable to a more moist soil?

[Jeff]

Many of my skinks need to have their nails trimmed from time to time. I use human nail clippers, and just do it when they look like they are getting too long. It was very difficult and stressful at first, but now I can literally trim all 20 nails on a skink in less than 5 miniutes while I am watching tv at the same time. It's one of those things that just gets way easier with experience. It is much less stressful for the skink when you get better at it too. Don't be timid, just grab hold of a foot and do it quickly. Your skink will appreciate it if you do.

[Richard.C]

think of it as sand blasting there feet,moisture content doesnt matter,soils are just a messy labour intensive substrate to use,hence most people use alternatives that are more easily managed,lighter ect ect and just get used to trimming

[Lea]

I've had to trim nails on occasion, but fortunately it's not often, when I have, I've used human clippers, too.

I've found using sand as a portion of substrate, along with a roughish basking surface, such as a brick or roof tile, helps keep nails short. I now don't actually remember the last time I had to trim any nails

[chipmunkskink]

Thanks everyone! Appreciate the great feedback as usual...this is a great forum! can't wait to post pics next week when the baby arrives