Re: How old when start trimming claws(more)

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Posted by xta on February 12, 2000 at 13:49:16:

In Reply to: How old when start trimming claws(more) posted by IG27 on February 12, 2000 at 11:38:51:

When they are sharp, trim the nails. You can use human nail clippers when they are small, but usually need to change to a dog nail clipper or melting nail gizmo when older. However, if he is still freaked out, you might want to wait on the clipping of nails because most of them don't like it. I suppose you could have your spouse hold him wrapped in a towel while you do it, but I'm not sure this will be building up his trust in you right now.

As far as the behavior, it just takes awhile for him to trust you. I've been lucky in that none of mine have ever bitten me or threatened to do so but it did take quite awhile for Sleestack to calm down and realize I wouldn't hurt him. He used to smack my hand away with his claw when I pet his back or kick me with his foot when I touched his head/neck. Or when I held him he would go back and forth between struggling and snorting to get away and then just freezing up in a kind of playing dead routine as if he thought I would leave him alone if I believed him dead (I could even pose him in any position when he did that LOL) However he doesn't play dead anymore and rarely kicks/smacks. He always struggles a little when I walk while holding him, but he has come a long way--- and I'm sure yours will too. You wait, the other one you are getting will have a totally different personality. It will be scared, but it my not bite.

I've heard spending quiet time with him will help, offering him favorite foods by hand (sleestack loves strawberries & melon), putting an old worn shirt with your scent in the cage to get him used to your smell etc. I'm not sure the bath thing will work as mine are usually stressed over this process, but I give him a bath daily for moisture after he's pooped in the tub (potty trained). For the bath, just fill it with luke warm water--there is nothing to it. You can fill it as deep as you want. When Slee was younger he would sink to the bottom and swim around under water (it was cool) He felt safe down there.

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: When they are sharp, trim the nails. You can use human nail clippers when they are small, but usually need to change to a dog nail clipper or melting nail gizmo when older. However, if he is still freaked out, you might want to wait on the clipping of nails because most of them don't like it. I suppose you could have your spouse hold him wrapped in a towel while you do it, but I'm not sure this will be building up his trust in you right now. : As far as the behavior, it just takes awhile for him to trust you. I've been lucky in that none of mine have ever bitten me or threatened to do so but it did take quite awhile for Sleestack to calm down and realize I wouldn't hurt him. He used to smack my hand away with his claw when I pet his back or kick me with his foot when I touched his head/neck. Or when I held him he would go back and forth between struggling and snorting to get away and then just freezing up in a kind of playing dead routine as if he thought I would leave him alone if I believed him dead (I could even pose him in any position when he did that LOL) However he doesn't play dead anymore and rarely kicks/smacks. He always struggles a little when I walk while holding him, but he has come a long way--- and I'm sure yours will too. You wait, the other one you are getting will have a totally different personality. It will be scared, but it my not bite. : I've heard spending quiet time with him will help, offering him favorite foods by hand (sleestack loves strawberries & melon), putting an old worn shirt with your scent in the cage to get him used to your smell etc. I'm not sure the bath thing will work as mine are usually stressed over this process, but I give him a bath daily for moisture after he's pooped in the tub (potty trained). For the bath, just fill it with luke warm water--there is nothing to it. You can fill it as deep as you want. When Slee was younger he would sink to the bottom and swim around under water (it was cool) He felt safe down there.

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