Long Claws

[@Debs111]

Simba is approximately 6months old now and his claws seem quite long and sharp. He lives in a plastic cage with just hay and cardboard bedding under foot. I'm very new to guinea pigs so unsure what length claws are supposed to be. Does anyone have any photos of ideal claw lengths?
And if Simbas are too long..what do I do? I very much doubt he'll let me cut them!

 

[kayjay]

You need to cut them Debs! Don't worry it's quite easy

I use little nail clippers from Boots, if you think he'll struggle get someone to hold him for you, even wrapped up if it makes it easier. Have a look at the nail, if his nail is light coloured it's easier to see where the inside bit of the nail is as it's darker - you need to avoid cutting that but if his nails are long that shouldn't be a problem. Just take of the ends at first if you're worried. If his nails are black it's harder to see but again just take a tiny bit off at a time. If you do accidentally cut into the middle it'll bleed and he'll squeak, but you can stop the bleeding I think with cornflour but I might be wrong, I'm sure someone else knows. I've never had a bleeder though, I just take off a tiny bit at a time.

 

[kellyandpiggies]

If you're still a little unsure about cutting them for the first time, then make an appointment with your vets. It only costs about £4 well here anyway! But they can show you and advise with you there

 

[Pumpkinpiggie]

I am with Kelly take them to the vets and then you can watch them do them the first time. Then have a go yourself next time.

 

[baby-wilson]

My first piggie had black nails and i was unsure of how to cut them, so I took her to the vets... they told me just to cut the tips... but i agree take him to the vets... they will help

 

[Fr0ggy]

I cut my piggies claws quite often and only cut the tips-one of mine also has black claws so I am always a bit more careful with those cause you can't see what you are doing properly so I think it's best to do a little and often

 

[Glynis]

Sully's claws were pink so it was easier and he was a lay back piggie, but Duke's a black well most of them it's soo difficult, there's a link on here to advise but go to your vets usually the nurses cut them, well mine do
Simba you be good for your mummy whilst she tries to do the righ thing for you

 

[Luke Harrison]

If you are really unsure you could always put a run (if you have one) on some concrete and leave them for a while that should wear them down quickly if you do it every day

 

[squeakywheeky]

I am the most nervy piggy mummy that there must be and last night I plucked up the courage to clip Trek's hind leg nails. He did very well (so did I ) I just clipped the very pointy edge off a 4 month old piggy. Now the front ones are a differnt story I gues but a hand full of crass sat infront of him should do the trick. I'm going to leave it for tonight though as he's just had an injection poor fella. I guess what i'm saying is if I can do it - jesh, anyone can!

 

[Pumpkinpiggie]

I see a few of you have piggies with black claws and are worried about clipping them. Now my little Bumble has black claws and this is how you do them Sit with the sunlight to the back of you and hold the piggie to you can see where the blood flow stops on the nail and clip no further than where it goes darker mm in front. I use ordinary nail cutters for clipping but for Bumble the wriggler I got some classic claw clippers because she was so hard to do now its a breeze.

 

[newpiggies]

I see a few of you have piggies with black claws and are worried about clipping them. Now my little Bumble has black claws and this is how you do them Sit with the sunlight to the back of you and hold the piggie to you can see where the blood flow stops on the nail and clip no further than where it goes darker mm in front. I use ordinary nail cutters for clipping but for Bumble the wriggler I got some classic claw clippers because she was so hard to do now its a breeze.

Sounds like a great idea! Just need to order some sunlight. Scamper has black claws on one foot and pink claws on the other!

 

[Pumpkinpiggie]

I see a few of you have piggies with black claws and are worried about clipping them. Now my little Bumble has black claws and this is how you do them Sit with the sunlight to the back of you and hold the piggie to you can see where the blood flow stops on the nail and clip no further than where it goes darker mm in front. I use ordinary nail cutters for clipping but for Bumble the wriggler I got some classic claw clippers because she was so hard to do now its a breeze.

Sounds like a great idea! Just need to order some sunlight. Scamper has black claws on one foot and pink claws on the other!

Dont you get daylight then Sun does not have to be out just need daylight although its even easier with the sun shining

 

[newpiggies]

LOL. Just a sideways grumble about how grey it's been here today...not to mention the sleet and snow a couple of days ago after the glorious mild and sunny weather the week before.