My piggy needs his nails cut

[flintstones]

My wee piggy needs his nails cut. I have nail cutters but I'm a bit scared to do it. Is it hard?:o

 

[kevncaz]

we have not yet had to have our piggies nails cut as they are not too long but we have birds and now after 9 months of having birds i will lightly cut their nails but this is after watching somebody trained to do this i would suggest taking him to an experienced piggy vet and watching him do it as this will give you more of an indication of how much how to hold them whilst etc, it is better to watch someone else do it first time, if you are still unsure i would take him back until you are confident.

kev and caz xxxxx

 

[daisyd]

If you want to have a go yourself its not too hard, it mainly depends on how wriggly the piggy is! I have found with new/young guineas its best to take the tiniest bit off once a week. That way you're getting them used to it and also as you cut a little bit off (say less than 1mm) the quick receeds back up the nail so you can take a little off the next time too. Also it'll give you confidence and you're much less likely to get the vein by doing little and often.

Now my piggies all take it in their stride so I do them once a month or so and can cut more with confidence.

If your piggy squirms about it's best to watch someone experienced doing it tho, alot of vet nurses will do it for free so probs a good option.

 

[Tallulah]

what colour are your piggy's nails? If they're clear and you can see the blood vessels it's much easier than if they're black. My Harvey had black nails and it was a night mare. I swear as they get older the blood vessels come further down the nail and i got him a couple of times. If in doubt get a vet to show you first, and then you can get the hang of it. My tips would be take your time, try to get piggy relaxed and distract with favorite food!

 

[Wiebke]

http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=61