BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hi all,

I had this problem maybe since I got the my BTS, but hadn't really thought about asking in the forum. My BTS often have problems with the toenails:
1) the nails grow too long that a few got slightly curled
2) I tried to cut it using nail clipper but my skink seems to be afraid of it, not to mention that I am also afraid of hurting it. A few times a bit of blood seemed to seep through the cut nail (through the very small blood capillary in the nail) --> I then give some povidone iodine antiseptic
3) during molting, there were some occasions where the distal phalanx did not molt properly and some skin/scales stuck at the end of the finger. This part eventually broken off after a while, after which the finger looks a bit shorter. This finger didn't grow back.
4) just today the skink got its finger stuck in something and when I picked it up the toenail come off.
None of the above seems to have caused injuries and the skink seems to be able to walk just fine. But it really disturbs me. Does this make me a really bad owner, who failed to take care of the pet properly?
Your opinions/ share of experiences are highly appreciated. Also how to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Thanks in advance!

Pritya

The only skink the I had problems with his toes is Hunter, one of Meraukes.. and he came to me with the problem.

I don't know about everyone else, but I give the skinks a soak after every shed, just to be on the safe side. Soaking softens the shed, and eventually it comes off.

I read the caresheet and decided that I need to pay more attention to nail care, i.e. clipping and during molting. I feel so guilty now...

You live, you learn.