Nail Cutting - How Often?

[Gimz]

our little piggies are now 11 weeks old and we haven't cut their nails yet - we've had them about a month. Their nails are a little spikey, at least it feels like that when they run up my chest. How often would you advise cutting them?

I have read the guide above on how to cut them, it just doesn't say how often. I know that is a bit subjective, but a rough guide for a new piggie owner would be helpful. we have some little clippers we can use which we had for when my boys were babies.

 

[Kerrie74]

You just do them as and when they need it really It's what I do with ours anyway.

I know what you mean about spikey! One of ours has claws like that, he's a young one.

 

[Kerrie74]

Here you go

http://www.guinealynx.info/nails.html

 

[MintyAndGarry (TEAS)]

Baby feet! They are the sharpest things going!

Different pigs' nails grow at different speeds. I generally cut once they start to get a bit long - they will start to curve in some cases, but stay straight in others. Really making it clear, aren't I?!

 

[Kerrie74]

LOL @MintyAndGarry (TEAS) yeap your basically saying what I said, cut as and when they need it

It's the curly nails that bother me :/

 

[Galaxy&nibbles]

I do mine every 1-2 weeks, so it's not much to cut off and that they get used to it!

 

[7squeakers.]

I would say that I cut my girls nails about once a month. The ones on the inside toes are the hardest as they curl in towards the foot. It's difficult to cut it without cutting the foot.

 

[biscandmatt]

generally around once a month is ok. i tend to check nails every week and trim any that need it. some weeks are a bonus and none need doing, but little and often seems best and this way you don't have to do every nail in one session

 

[anniedabannie]

Baby nails eventually fall off and adult nails come through at around four months I think - like milk teeth in humans - so for now just file them so they're not sharp!

After that, I think the others covered it! But when you look at them and think mmm is generally a good indicator x

 

[Bruschnazzy]

I wouldn't reccomend any set time to cut, as mentioned, they grow at different paces. Sometimes not even in different Guinea Pigs, but in different toes. Mine sometimes would have some that grew out long and fast, and some that barely even grew on the same foot. I'd just watch them and when you feel they've got too long, then it's time to cut.

 

[Kerrie74]

Does someone want to come and cut my guinea's black/brown claws? lol.

 

[lady liberty]

I cut my guinea pig's nails about once a month.

 

[Gimz]

So by all accounts mine are due around now having had them home a month. Gulp! First time nail trim for next week! Wish me luck!

 

[biscandmatt]

good luck. i checked mollie and benjie's nails today after their weekly weigh and thankfully mollie only needed one trimmed and benjie needed four... phew!