I’ve had my guinea pigs for a week now and wanted to start handling them. I just did and it was a bit messy bc they were super scared so I didn’t do it for long. I noticed that there nails where super long. I want to cut there nails but they won’t come out when I’m near anymore. They hide in there hiding spot together. I know that your not expose to pull them out of there hiding spot. And I can’t bring them out with treats or food because they don’t care for them as much. Also any tips on how to hold them while clipping there nails?(if I can get them out)
Nail clipping
- Thread starter Guyinea
- Start date
I’ve seen from one of your other posts that your piggies are a month old. I would not think their nails are long enough to be considered as ‘super long’ at their age (assuming I have read right and they are a month old). Perhaps you could post a picture and we can help further.
I’m not use to guinea pigs so I was assuming this was long. 
Picture is a bit blurry to see clearly but given it’s a close up of the foot, they don’t look long.
If the pink I’m seeing is the quick (and not just the way the pic is taken) then the nail only extends the tiniest amount beyond which means you’d find it very hard to take any off without risking catching the quick.
I wouldn’t cut them yet
If the pink I’m seeing is the quick (and not just the way the pic is taken) then the nail only extends the tiniest amount beyond which means you’d find it very hard to take any off without risking catching the quick.
I wouldn’t cut them yet
I don’t think mine needed doing until they were closer six months old. My piggies came to me at four months old and I know they hadn’t needed to be done before then. They all grow are different rates though so you’ll have to keep an eye on them
It’ll be about once a month or so that it needs to be done but my piggies took months before they were long enough to need doing!. If you take the tip off and do it regularly, it can help as it’s easier, but as I said it’s not easy to see on the picture but they don’t look long from the picture.
Siikibam
Senior Guinea Pig
It’s ‘constant’ (about every 1-2 months)once they’re a little older. Please bear in mind that they may never like being held. Being portrayed as cuddly pets is a case of humans wanting to impose their...’views’ and perceptions on them.
horsefeather
Junior Guinea Pig
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Being that your new to guinea pigs, (i am too with about 6 months) I would look for a vet or groomer to trim their nails till you piggies are older, and more used to being handled. I've trimmed mine and they squirm and its a nerve wracking 2 person job for me requiring a shot of liquor at the end.
Okay thanks you, I will start doing that!
Okay, well they may not like being held and cuddly from what I see
