Clipping Nails?

[Sprite96]

hi everyone,

I need to clip my Guinea pigs nails (back feet) as they're very slightly curling. However she does not let me pick her up at all. She's extremely skittish if I pet her anywhere other than her head. I've waited too long and it's time to cut her nails.

I don't want to the vet because I believe I can do it because I have done the front feet before, but not the back

Any help?

Thanks

 

[CarnivalPiggy]

Hi! How long have you had her? I did try to read back through your messages but my wifi is playing up a bit. Young piggies can be generally quick considering their age as are older piggies. You could try taking her out of her cage in sessions.

I recommend using a particular house or something whenever you get her out and gently herd her into there without too much panic to affirm that you won't randomly pick her up whenever you stroke her in cage or go close. Then, possibly sit on a couch or low ground and make sure she can't get lost under furniture, bite wires etc. Once she's on your lap, you could try giving her a nice veggie like bell pepper and feed it while stroking her head, then occasionally a light stroke on back. If you feel a bit braver about it, could try her sides. I find I can stroke my piggies backs even in cage, but they don't like their sides touched then as it's a more vulnerable place. Hopefully it works or helps a bit

Edit: If it doesn't help or the nails get too long for comfort, you could try asking a person experienced with piggies. It doesn't need to be a vet, but even a good owner of a piggy boarding place might help (the place I board piggies at will come round to help for a price) and may help on how to cut them yourself in the future. Sorry this is so long!

 

[GPcrazy]

You could also maybe try wrapping your piggy in a towel or blanket with just one back foot sticking out so she feels more safe. Cut those nails, then re-wrap with the other foot sticking out.

 

[Elwickcavies]

Another ploy can be to take her somewhere unfamiliar (another room that she's not used to, for example). Often that is enough to make a guinea pig sit still long enough to cut the nails.

 

[MrsMoo]

You could also maybe try wrapping your piggy in a towel or blanket with just one back foot sticking out so she feels more safe. Cut those nails, then re-wrap with the other foot sticking out.

this is how i cut my guineas nails.