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Subject: Nail Clipping
Posted by Kathy on September 30, 1998 at 23:22:32:

I read all the stuff you guys posted on nail clipping - I had to respond. There was a pair of gliders in the pet store where I used to work and they had the same effect on me - redness, iching, welts, etc.... Whenever this happens, I wash with an anti-bacterial soap and it goes away within a few minutes.

I found that I didn't hold them as much as they needed because of this reaction, so I used the really tiny nail clippers that you might use on a parakeet - and it was defineately a two person job. It helped, but didn't totally eliminate the problem. Mice, rats, hamsters, and gerbils have the same effect on me. Being a groomer, I say clipping is ok, but you HAVE TO know what you're doing - any quicking can result in the animal being afraid of you because it hurts. Plus, you need to have quick stop or the like handy, just in case. And if it hinders their ability to climb, then you're clipping too short. I clip my dogs, cats and birds on a regular basis, but I am experienced at this - I could probably do it in the dark. If there is ANY doubt in your mind that you can do this properly, take your glider (or any other animal for that matter) to a professional. It doesn't cost much - but I would pay the price instead of damaging the bond between me and my pet.

For some reason tho, the pair of gliders I have now don't effect me this way. Could that be different food, bedding or what? Anybody got any ideas?

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