nail filing perches

[ellymay]

I know for birds there are sand perches and such that help file their nails. Are there any for squirrels?

[kastillo]

I've seen a wheel sold that has inserts like sandpaper for nails. But it would have to be a very large one for a squirrel to use. Let me see if I can find it again.

Ok, here's some of them. http://www.ebay.com/bhp/sugar-gliders-nail-trimmer

But I'm not sure if they'd be good for squirrels... have to ask someone else that uses wheels for their squirrels.

[VTech1]

Hello,
I used to buy these for my birds and found out that they are NOT good for their feet at all. They do nothing for keeping the nails trimmed and CAN cause irritation to their feet. I trim my birds' nails and I have a vet close by that can do this should I need help. And for the trimming of the squirrel's nails, I can't imagine that a vet wouldn't help you perform a nail trim?

[Duckman]

Squirrels sweat through their feet, so the sand paper would irritate their feet and not allow them to dissipate heat readily (which would most likely lead to heat stroke). I trim Rex's nails every 3 days (only take off the tips, if you do), but I know that many on this board look down on this because if they do get out, they will need those sharp points to have any chance of survival. Rex always has at least 2 closed doors to get outside, so that risk is almost non existent!

[ALittleNutty]

I read somewhere about putting food dishes on a rough rock to help wear down the nails. Theory seems reasonable to me and would be safer for them than the sandpaper. I am thinking of trying it for my flyers.

[ellymay]

At this point I may try a bit of both. His nails are too long and I think a quick trim this time then the rock and such for upkeep. I have natural branches and such in his enclosure with him and he climbs on them constantly but they don't seem to be filing them quick enough. He is rather playful and even just with him walking on me I get scratched so something needs to be done. My friend is a vet tech and is coming over this weekend. Hopefully he won't hate me after lol

[Duckman]

I have natural branches and such in his enclosure with him and he climbs on them constantly but they don't seem to be filing them quick enough.

A common misconception is that putting branches for them to climb will file down the nails. Branches are what they use to sharpen the nails in the wild.

[ellymay]

Hahahaha well that explains a lot! His are Edward scissor hands sharp! Lol