Do Chinchillas Have Nails?

[ssalcedo]

I have a strange question. The 8 month old chinchilla I got looks like she has no nails. Is this normal? I am wondering if all chinchillas have no nails? Ive seen nail clippers, and trimmers for sale for chinchillas. I am real confused. I am wondering if chinchillas have nails, why mine dont seem to have any.

Thanks

 

[BooBoo*TheKiddo*]

I'm pretty sure they do, since I've been scratched once or twice.

But I dont think you are suppose to clip them

 

[AZChins]

They do have nails, but they normally keep them short by chewing at them a bit and just by wearing them down running around the cage and at playtime. I've never seen trimmers for chins. I would not suggest trying to cut them. You could end up cutting the chinchilla or even cutting off a toe. Trimming the toenails is completely unnecessary. The nails are so thin that they wear down very easily.

 

[ssalcedo]

I looked at my chinchilla, and I dont see any nails. I felt her toes, and dont feel any either. Does anyone know why she doesnt seem to have nails?

Do their nails show up when they are older? She is only 8 months old. Im wondering if they didnt grow in yet because she is too young.

Thanks

 

[eroomlorac]

When I got my first chinchilla, I wondered if they have nails, too. But I have definitely been scratched by them so I know they are there.

 

[ticklechin]

They are thin and fragile and the natural movements of chins naturally wear them down. They did not need claws since they do not do much digging in the wild beyond dust baths.

 

[jenjenn2005]

They definitely have nails and I've been scratched and cut to the point of bleeding. I have used a file very carefully before just to smooth down a very pointed nail before but was extremely careful in doing so and I had a very patient chinchilla.

 

[Idgie]

They most definitely do. I have also been scratched/cut by them. They are thin and razor sharp sometimes. I wondered if they can retract them. But I have never clipped them or needed to.

 

[Bostongirl'sChin75]

Sometimes I think a chin scratch is more painful than a cat scratch! They hurt!

 

[Siylvat]

If it were not for my chin Mog, I might not know chins have nails. He HURTS when he climbs on you. I don't know why, but his nails are SO much sharper than the other chins...

 

[Bostongirl'sChin75]

If it were not for my chin Mog, I might not know chins have nails. He HURTS when he climbs on you. I don't know why, but his nails are SO much sharper than the other chins...

I know what you mean..I have scars on one of my arms from when I was hand feeding Herby and she would scratch me trying to get out of the burrito.