Since I switched my gliders from metal bird cages to a reptarium, their nails started growing in this way:
Nail 1
Nail 2
I don't know how to trim that growth out without hurting them. And I don't know how to prevent it. Please help.

Edit: having trouble inserting the picture!

Yes, the nail has extended down past the normal curve. All 3 of my gliders had this happen. They have been in their reptarium for about 2 months. This only happened after switching them. It seems like they aren't getting the wear on their nails that they used to before. In their cage I had wooden perches and metal bars. Everything now is mostly fleece. So I assume it's because of that. Seems very coincidental. It seems to hurt the gliders or at least be more uncomfortable for them if I try to clip it off. And it is at a really awkward angle to get to. There's no blood supply down there, but getting to it is a problem.

Do you have a wheel for you gliders? I would strongly reccomend that you get a Senior Stealth wheel with Trim tracks for your gliders. That way, when they play on the wheel they also keep their nails trim!

i think a visit to the vet is necessary. If it is because of the reptarium i think u should get the vet to do the trimming for u before u try using the stealth wheel as suggested by Lizz. i think it's a good idea to check your babies' nail more often.

Even with checking their nails often, it doesn't stop it from happening. It is even more difficult to trim it off when it is higher up near the base of the nail. I haven't been able to get to it, to clip it. Regular nail clippers and even cuticle trimmers are too big and too awkward an angle to get it. I've left it the way it is because it hurts them when I tried to clip it before. And it snagged badly when I did it before. Maybe a tiny file would work? I don't know.

Have you been to the vet? i think you need to. Pls don't try to file, i think it's dangerous since it's near to the base. It could also be painful since it's already hurting them when u try to clip. Infection could happen and it could be worst.
i really hope someone will come along with advice on what to do. Maybe you could try pm Linda or Suz.

If no one can give me any advice about it I will take them to the vet. I just don't like the suggie vet in my area. I don't have high confidence in him. People on this forum have given me better advice than he ever has.

Who do you go to? (I'm in Columbus also)

Dr. Burton

CVS sells side cut cuticle clippers;
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_p...&navCount=3

I have had this happen with my gliders nails as well. I put my thumb nail between the pad of the gliders toe and the nail and then clip (with the tip of the cuticle clippers against my thumb nail) into my nail. By doing so there is no risk to the glider's toe pad, and you steady the clippers from both sides. It works really well. These are the only clippers I will use for trimming glider nails anyway, but they come in handy for something like this.

Thanks, I dug out some professional grade cuticle trimmers and was able to take care of it. I think my LaCross cuticle trimmers were too dull and snagging. Their nails are back to normal. I need to find a way other than just the wheel to help them wear their nails down a bit.

I have read where some people have used a regular nail file. When the gliders are hanging on the rept, you can try and file the little tips off or even trim them. I think you'd have to be pretty quick though.

I trim the nail tips pretty often, but since switching to a rept, they have started getting that extra bit of nail underneath. It is tricky to trim off. But yesterday I was able to get it with my good cuticle trimmers...and help from a friend. The problem before was the other trimmers and me being afraid of hurting them. But, we did it.

Plus it took me almost all day, because I had to mess with each little nail for much longer than normal. Poor gliders.

I'm happy to hear that you finally got them done!
I've been doing gliders nails for quite some time and it's NEVER relaxing! My two are great about having them done, it's just me that's nervous. Choco will sit there and wait while I gather myself together looking at me like "well let's get with it already"

I remember having those problems with their back nails (I'm assuming it's just the back nails?) for a while and then they were back to normal. None of my kid's nails grow that way anymore (they are all in repts).

I honestly don't remember if it was when we switched, I only had a cage for the first year, or if it had to do with something else (or if I even noticed what else it had to do with). Sorry.