Possible nail trimming?

[Peeps101]

So my veiled chameleon has always had a strong grip even from the day I got him, but for a couple weeks now as he has been slowly growing I notice his little sharp nails are getting more and more painful on my skin while I handle him. When he sees my dogs he'll tighten his grip even more but I keep them away and let him wander on my body and let him sit on my head. I handle him everyday (when he climbs on me) for at least 5 min to make sure his tail can wrap around smoothly/to make sure his grip is good. After I'm done handling him I have these small red dots on my hands and arms that slowly fade away completely after a couple of minutes. I don't have sensitive skin but now I have about 3-4 scratch marks on my arms/hands from this little bugger. I didn't know if maybe there is a way I could trim his nails if this would help? He loves exploring outside his enclosure, and I don't want to have to wear sleeves every time I handle him... any ideas? Thanks.

 

[JacksJill]

Sorry, nail cutting is a no no. I would suggest long sleeves or using a branch for moving him around. You could try the leather gloves they use for pruning roses.

 

[Brodybreaux25]

Adding some rough surfaces for him to climb on is about all you can do...

 

[Tobias&Jellybean]

Oh boy, please don´t cut his nails, like BrodyBreaux25 said, some rougher branches to help trim down the nails is all you can really do. But trimming the nails could hurt them. But as chameleons get older, their claws WILL increase in size as they are growing just like the rest of them.
Best of luck!

 

[Peeps101]

Sorry, nail cutting is a no no. I would suggest long sleeves or using a branch for moving him around. You could try the leather gloves they use for pruning roses.

Okay, I kinda thought so

 

[Peeps101]

Adding some rough surfaces for him to climb on is about all you can do...

What are some rough things I could look for? I know rope is a no because there nails can get stuck in it..

 

[Tobias&Jellybean]

bendy ropes are really great for chameleons!
https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Ju...TZ4ZGJECDEF&psc=1&refRID=Q6RF8WWXYTZ4ZGJECDEF

 

[JacksJill]

Branches with rough bark like oak could help a little.

 

[Tobias&Jellybean]

Also, chameleons are really not handeling type of animals and he may be stressed out and be clenching his claws on your tighter.

 

[nightanole]

Bamboo is your friend on this one. Though i do trim from time to time if they develop "needles" at the end of the nail, but i never cut the nail.

They should not look like this:
https://dkphoto.photoshelter.com/image/I0000_.Dt2lfQfqE


they should look like this:

 

[Peeps101]

Bamboo is your friend on this one. Though i do trim from time to time if they develop "needles" at the end of the nail, but i never cut the nail.

They should not look like this:
https://dkphoto.photoshelter.com/image/I0000_.Dt2lfQfqE


they should look like this:

Yeah his nails are sharper than this, where could I get bamboo to help with this?

 

[Syreptyon]

Yeah his nails are sharper than this, where could I get bamboo to help with this?

Any hard wood will do the trick. I don't like bamboo because it's slippery, personally

 

[Peeps101]

Any hard wood will do the trick. I don't like bamboo because it's slippery, personally

I have a yucca plant in my backyard, would this be good?

 

[Syreptyon]

I have a yucca plant in my backyard, would this be good?

Honestly, I have no idea haha. Not familiar with the texture of yucca.

I find that my manzanita branches do a very good job of keeping my panther's nails down to a reasonable extent

 

[alphakenc]

Just simple bird wooden branch or ladder...birds got more claws so if its good for the bird to stand its good for the cham..just make sure u choose the right size diameter for ur cham's feet to stand with the feet.

 

[KobaOregonherper]

You should try a Parson's chameleon, oh my lord my blood was dripping anywhere he stepped on me. Still have scars from that as well.

 

[KobaOregonherper]

I have a yucca plant in my backyard, would this be good?

If it's the hard bark the yucca bark would be great. It's a very similar consitancy to oak. If it's a young plant though it's much softer. Also keep in mind depending on the type of yucca it can be sharp and harmful to the chams scales.

 

[CometTheOdd]

So my veiled chameleon has always had a strong grip even from the day I got him, but for a couple weeks now as he has been slowly growing I notice his little sharp nails are getting more and more painful on my skin while I handle him. When he sees my dogs he'll tighten his grip even more but I keep them away and let him wander on my body and let him sit on my head. I handle him everyday (when he climbs on me) for at least 5 min to make sure his tail can wrap around smoothly/to make sure his grip is good. After I'm done handling him I have these small red dots on my hands and arms that slowly fade away completely after a couple of minutes. I don't have sensitive skin but now I have about 3-4 scratch marks on my arms/hands from this little bugger. I didn't know if maybe there is a way I could trim his nails if this would help? He loves exploring outside his enclosure, and I don't want to have to wear sleeves every time I handle him... any ideas? Thanks.

Chameleon nails are sharp but I advise not to trim them. They are like that for a strong grip and trimming them would make it hard on the little guys.