Chopping Nails

[Chatty]

Seems like an obvious and easy thing to do but I used to have rabbits and this used to be a nightmare at times, especially if they had pink nerves.

Both my guinea pigs have fairly sharp claws, they get plenty of play time out but my house is mostly carpeted so their nails don't get worn down.

I was told it's best just to file them but thought I'd ask on here before I did anything. Filing them when they wriggle all over sounds like a nightmare, any tips on this?

 

[Siikibam]

No tips from me as I’ve never filed - I just cut them. I did read someone saying they file them down.

 

[Wiebke]

Seems like an obvious and easy thing to do but I used to have rabbits and this used to be a nightmare at times, especially if they had pink nerves.

Both my guinea pigs have fairly sharp claws, they get plenty of play time out but my house is mostly carpeted so their nails don't get worn down.

I was told it's best just to file them but thought I'd ask on here before I did anything. Filing them when they wriggle all over sounds like a nightmare, any tips on this?

We recommend to book an appointment with a vet nurse that is experienced with guinea pigs to show you how to do it; it usually doesn't cost a lot. Some members always take their piggies there to have the nails cut.

All guinea pigs have quicks, blood carrying live parts of a nail, only they are much more difficult to spot in darker or completely black nails.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/guide-to-cutting-guinea-pig-nails.61/|

Otherwise you might want to use some piggy whispering tricks to ensure somewhat better cooperation by using a mixture or love and friendly dominance. Only cut off the very tip (about 1 mm) at first in a baby when it is getting very sharp before the nail is starting to grow out properly. Only cut so many nails in one go as your piggy is OK with; rather do it in several sessions until you have more practice and experience. Be patient and only clip, cut or file when you are sure of it.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

 

[Chatty]

We recommend to book an appointment with a vet nurse that is experienced with guinea pigs to show you how to do it; it usually doesn't cost a lot. Some members always take their piggies there to have the nails cut.

All guinea pigs have quicks, blood carrying live parts of a nail, only they are much more difficult to spot in darker or completely black nails.
https://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/threads/guide-to-cutting-guinea-pig-nails.61/|

Otherwise you might want to use some piggy whispering tricks to ensure somewhat better cooperation by using a mixture or love and friendly dominance. Only cut off the very tip (about 1 mm) at first in a baby when it is getting very sharp before the nail is starting to grow out properly. Only cut so many nails in one go as your piggy is OK with; rather do it in several sessions until you have more practice and experience. Be patient and only clip, cut or file when you are sure of it.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

Cheers, some sound advice. I was planning on a vet visit at the end of the month anyway just to get a quick checkup and fully registered before I sort the insurance out.

I've done it with rabbits for years so my main worry was similar where they have quicks as well, though on them it's easier with the darker nails.

So might get it done by them this time and start myself after. They are fine tbf, they aren't overgrown, main problem is when they climb on my seven year old son they hurt him. I do have some scratches myself, hoping my workmates don't think I'm self harming as they are all over my arms but they don't really hurt.

 

[Wiebke]

Cheers, some sound advice. I was planning on a vet visit at the end of the month anyway just to get a quick checkup and fully registered before I sort the insurance out.

I've done it with rabbits for years so my main worry was similar where they have quicks as well, though on them it's easier with the darker nails.

So might get it done by them this time and start myself after. They are fine tbf, they aren't overgrown, main problem is when they climb on my seven year old son they hurt him. I do have some scratches myself, hoping my workmates don't think I'm self harming as they are all over my arms but they don't really hurt.

Have a long-armed t-shirt and a lap fleece for your son whenever he handles the youngsters under your supervision for the time being. Baby nails go through a stage where they become very sharp before they start growing out.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips