Sugar glider's nails?

Question

I've read you are supposed to trim sugar glider's nails. I've always been nervous about such things. Is there a place that will do this for me safely for a small fee? I'm just worried about hurting the little guys. Or have you done them yourself before?If it's simple, what type of clippers do I use?

Answer 1

I just went to the vet for a check up, and asked if they could do it while i was there.  They did it no problem and Karl got his nails clipped for free! just call the vet before hand and ask if they can clip the nails, only certain vets will take sugar gliders.

Answer 2

I have a little clipper that I bought for my eastern gray squirrel's toenails. It looks like a mini scissors with a curved cutting part at the clipper end. It also works great on my cat's toenails. I think I may have gotten it in the cat section at Petsmart.

If you gliders are not friendly with vets, as my squirrel doesn't like her vet, it could be expensive to have the vet trim them, as they may have to gas them to do so. My vet cannot handle my squirrel without giving her some gas to make her sleep ;0)

My squirrel's toenails are black, so I don't actually trim them. I did a couple of times when she was younger, but I find that letting her run around on my tile and grout floors keeps her toenails down. I hate having to trim any animal's nails where the nail is black because you cannot see where the quick of the nail is, and I am afraid that I will accidentally cut into that, making them bleed.

I understand your nervousness ;0)

Answer 3

I clip my gliders' nails every one or two weeks. I just hold them in the pouch for a bit, then pull out a little limb (but you have to be sure to support the weight of the pouch, otherwise all that weight is being held by one foot!)

I spread out their toes and go as fast and safely as I can. I just use normal people clippers, but the very small ones. Sometimes they get upset, so I take a break for about an hour, then try again. When they're all done, they get a yogurt drop or a mealie. :)

It's pretty simple (I just get a few crabs), and I don't have holes or little scratches all over me for the next play time or when they're in my shirt!