Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.
Trending News
Hamster's nail is turning black?
I check my hamster's nails as part of the regular check-ups, and last night I noticed that the tip of one of the nails on his back foot was black. His nails are getting a little long, so it's possible something caught, but I have no idea what. I don't think anything but his wheel is black.
So, what should I do? I read somewhere this is a sign of calcium deficiency- is that true? Should I buy him a supplement?
His nails will need trimming soon anyway (I'm terrified of cutting his toe off, but they're getting really long) so should I just cut that part off? It's only the very tip.
I can't get him to the vet. I promised my mother no vet visits when we bought him. If it's really cheap to get whatever he needs then there's a very, very slight possibility, but assume no vets.
So... what's causing this and what do I do?
Do nails bruise? It's not like it's on top of skin like it is with humans. And it's too far down to be the (argh, mind blank, the thingy that will bleed and you're not allowed to cut in the middle of the nail), unless that somehow got damaged.
Do nails bruise? It's not like it's on top of skin like it is with humans. And it's too far down to be the (argh, mind blank, the thingy that will bleed and you're not allowed to cut in the middle of the nail), unless that somehow got damaged.
I'll try to take a picture at some point but I don't know if I'll be able to.
4 Answers
- 7 years agoFavorite Answer
It might be possible your hamster hit it somewhere. It is difficult to say without seeing your hamster if this is a cause for concern. If you are using a substrate that is colored or has colored ink (such as newspaper), this can discolor the nails of your hamster.
If you are certain there is not a color dye that is causing the problem, then I would worry about disease. Nail bed infections can cause what you are seeing. This can include both bacterial infections and fungal infections. Since both of these types of infections can be treated, visit a veterinarian who treats hamsters. Also is there any food your hamster is eating that is black?
If this is an infection and it is left untreated, the infection can spread from the nails to the rest of the body.
- 7 years ago
Don't cut it, he could bleed to death. Leave it alone hell be fine. Its probably just bruised
