Octavius' Claws

**Matt_D_C** · #1 09-16-2005, 12:49 PM

Hey guys, I have kind of an odd problem. Octavius (my WD) has razor sharp claws- and I mean quite literally they are as sharp as razors. The skin on my palms is quite thick, but his claws are so sharp they puncture quite deep (deep enough to cause scarring) when he just sits happily on my hand. The odd part of this problem is that they are not long and overgrown- in fact, they are too small to clip-- less than 1/8". He takes care of them entirely on his own- I never do anything to them. Because they are so sharp, I can't really take him out anymore. He gets a weekly bath that he loves, but I almost don't want to do it anymore because of how badly I get cut. I keep him in a vertical 175G Reptarium, and even though he has a nice water pan, he loves swimming in the bath tub. When he gets a bath is also when I help him shed the spots he has the most trouble with. I fill the tub halfway with warm water and gently massage the areas the skin is still stuck to, and he absolutely loves it- he even lifts his limbs for me, so the bath is alsmost essential to keeping him healthy. When I'm done I let him play in the water, and when he's playing in the tub is when I clean the enclosure. I've tried using gloves, and even three layers of clothing, but they just slice right through. I've even tried other means to get him out, i.e. sticks, large tupperware, ect.. but he just doesn't like those one bit, and gets really stressed. He's more comfortable with me just reaching in, but I just can't do it anymore. I've been trying to think of a way to dull them enough so that he can be held comfortably again, but I've had no luck. Any ideas or suggestions would really be great because I'm all out of them.

**Hide Clyde** · #2 09-16-2005, 01:14 PM

Have you tried just using a finger nail file and blunting the nails?

**Rich** · #3 09-16-2005, 04:36 PM

Hello,

I was thinking the same thing. All you need to do is flatten just the end of the nail so the point isn't there. You could also add some large stones to the enclosure. The walking and friction of the stones should help rub them down.

**Matt_D_C** · #4 09-16-2005, 07:14 PM

I wanted to try that but they are just too sharp. Gloves don't work and I don't think he'd take too kindly to someone else holding him and/or doing his nails. He's really particular about certain things which can be funny and at the same time kinda annoying. lol Thanks for the idea Clyde- hopefully the stones will work and I can get away cut-free. lol

I like the idea for the large stones Rich. Is there are particular type that might work better than others? I have a bunch of large slate pieces sitting around that I could place in some areas. I think I'll try those and hope for the best. I'll let you know how it turned out for him after he has them in there for a few days.

**Merlin** · #5 09-16-2005, 07:21 PM

Matt the slate is probably a bit too smooth. Go with more abrasive surfaced rocks such as sandstone. Thats what I used with Zok when she was tiny.
Of course now I just use a Dremel grinder on her nails!

**Mark** · #6 09-16-2005, 08:50 PM

Look around a garden shop for a nice looking paver stone. The concrete will probably weigh less than the natural stone.

What about even the back side of some ceramic tiles?

Over the summer I would let my ig roam on a nice smooth concrete floor and a patio that was a great thing for his nails.

**Matt_D_C** · #7 09-16-2005, 10:37 PM

Hmm... a dremel grinder... lol
I don't have any sandstone but I do have some concrete around somewhere (I think) lol. I'll try that then- they slate did look a bit too smooth. Thanks guys!

**mshrmheadcharge** · #8 09-16-2005, 10:44 PM

my wds nails are razor sharp too, i use a nail file, just hold on to the toe of the nail you are filing so it dosnt move and file it a couple of times...it takes a little bit but its owrth it...how big is your wd? if its too small you prob wont be able to file them..if thats the case use the stones..lol..best of luck!

**Matt_D_C** · #9 09-17-2005, 01:46 AM

He's a little over 2 ft. The problem isn't holding the toe, it's holding him while trying to do the toe. lol I'm hoping the stones work- or at least dull them enough that I can then file them. (crosses fingers) lol

**mshrmheadcharge** · #10 09-17-2005, 01:52 AM

lol..so you got a squirmer? thankfully jack and sally are very well with sitting still while i do stuff like that...my little ones a firecracker tho...shes allready got some mean claws on her..lol..hope the stones work!


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