BLUE TONGUE SKINKS

Hello, everyone!

It’s been a while since I’ve been on this forum, but Rengar and I have been bonding well for 3 years! I just had a question about his one nail. I’ve attached photos of what it looks like (as well as a preview of his enclosure, in case any advice needs to be given regarding things to help with nail filing).

I thought I was doing a good job at keeping watch on his nails, but this one seems to have grown overnight (not literally, but fast). I guess my question would really be, do I need to cut this little by little or try to get it to where it is straightened? I normally take my pets to the vet to get their nails clipped because I simply don’t trust myself enough to, but I didn’t know if this is one of those times that patience is needed and it needs to be clipped little by little…?

Sorry, I am not very familiar with the way animal nails are, so I figured I would ask what the best step would be. Thank you!

Hello! If you're squeamish about using nail clippers like me, maybe try a human nail file? While I haven't tried it on a Bluey, I had to permanently forgo using clippers on dogs because I hated the "roughness" of it. A nail grinder is MUCH better, and since blue tongues are so much smaller, a human nail file would be the manual equivalent, and I don't see why it wouldn't work, as long as your blue tongue is relaxed and not squirming?? It's an idea, though if someone on this forum knows anything about bluey nails (My bluey is still a baby and I haven't had to clip her nails yet) and whether or not the idea would work, it'd be awesome if they weighed in too!!

As for if it needs to be clipped little by little, I personally don't think so, I can't think of a reason why the clipping process would need to be divided up! I know a dog is a LOT bigger than a bluey, but we had chihuahuas who came in with nails like this, and never did we ever divide the clipping process into little bits. One clip with clippers is hard enough, no reason for us to do many clips instead... so maybe that applies to blueys too? Though if you take your little guy into the vet anyway, they could tell you for sure or not ^^

HI there. So nail clipping can be a scary experience if you have never done it before. The nail does indeed need to be cut. I would recommend using either cat nail clippers or human nail trimmers. The best way to explain to cut is cut just before the curved part (so you are cutting the hook off). If you don't feel comfortable then you need to find a reptile vet that will do it for you. You don't want it to get caught on substrate or enclosure decorations and possible get torn out. Good luck!

Forget the nail file. He will never sit still for that. I have these very small clippers most likely used for parakeets that I use.

Yes, I forgot to mention...the nail file probably won't work. I also forgot to mention that I just place mine in my lap. Then do one foot at a time. I be patient and go at the skinks pace. My Merauke will let me do anything to him. My Northern moves around alot more, so I just have to be patient and wait him out.

Mine are all squirmy as heck when I go near their feet, but it's got to be done. Sometimes the assistance of another person and a towel work well. Make sure you're sitting on the floor or your couch or bed where he cannot squirm out of your hands and fall any distance.