Nail Cutting

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Emersyn

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Hello, I have adopted two female guinea pigs from my overwhelmed friend. I have never had piggies before but I am enjoying it so far. They are so funny to watch and I love all their cute little noises. I had read that routine nail cutting is needed. My friend was new to the piggies too and did no maintenance and I can see their nails are starting to get long. Not curling, but long enough that they penetrate before the foot? paw? does. They aren't really comfortable with me yet and I haven't tried to hold either yet (they have been here for one week but I did care for them for a week while my friend had her baby and they had to stay in the NICU) but anyway, they are still not sure about trusting me yet. I don't have a small/exotic pet vet anywhere near me as this is a very rural area so taking them in isn't an option. I am on my own for any care.

What are some tips, tricks, suggestions to get these piggies a manicure? I have always had dogs/cats and a rabbit once so I understand the whole avoiding the quick part. I guess I am looking more for best tools, technique and piggy holding method. I am the only competent person in the house so one-person ideas would be most welcomed. Thank you in advance!
 
Hello hopefully this guide will help.

squeakypigs

Thread 'Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails'

Guinea pigs nails grow they need to be kept under supervision so they can go about their day to day business... Here is a quick guide on what to do...

Is it easy to do?
Yes it is easy, it is something that will come more natural to you each time you cut their nails. When cutting a guinea pigs nails the main thing you have to worry about is the blood vessel. This runs through the nail but not right upto the ends.

How do I know how far to cut?
With clear nailed guinea pigs it can be seen fairly easily so avoiding it isnt too much of a challenge, however if your...
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It’s a great idea to just do a few at a time.
 
As @weepweeps says, the guides are very helpful as is the advice to do a few at a time. I'm assuming from the pic that one of your girls has all black nails. This is more stressful until you get used to doing it. I advise you to get some styptic powder (just in case) but actually once you've cut a quick (accidentally of course) you will be strangely more relaxed about doing it as you've experienced how little reaction there is.
There are also a couple of good you tube sites that demonstrate good techniques especially for the black nails. I personally use the one where I put my thumb where the nail starts to curl and cut just below. It's good that your girls are older so you won't be dealing with super sharp baby nails. Once you've done a couple of nails, you will soon figure out what works best for you.
I have proper pet nail clippers which some prefer but I find a good quality pair of toenail clippers more controllable.
 
weepweeps said:
Hello hopefully this guide will help.

squeakypigs

Thread 'Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails'

Guinea pigs nails grow they need to be kept under supervision so they can go about their day to day business... Here is a quick guide on what to do...

Is it easy to do?
Yes it is easy, it is something that will come more natural to you each time you cut their nails. When cutting a guinea pigs nails the main thing you have to worry about is the blood vessel. This runs through the nail but not right upto the ends.

How do I know how far to cut?
With clear nailed guinea pigs it can be seen fairly easily so avoiding it isnt too much of a challenge, however if your...
  • Like
  • Love

It’s a great idea to just do a few at a time.
Click to expand...
The guide itself didn't answer the questions I was looking for, hence posting, but I didn't see the video before and that was a little better. I'm still discouraged though because that piggy was feisty with someone she already knows, my piggies don't know me yet.
 
fluffysal said:
As @weepweeps says, the guides are very helpful as is the advice to do a few at a time. I'm assuming from the pic that one of your girls has all black nails. This is more stressful until you get used to doing it. I advise you to get some styptic powder (just in case) but actually once you've cut a quick (accidentally of course) you will be strangely more relaxed about doing it as you've experienced how little reaction there is.
There are also a couple of good you tube sites that demonstrate good techniques especially for the black nails. I personally use the one where I put my thumb where the nail starts to curl and cut just below. It's good that your girls are older so you won't be dealing with super sharp baby nails. Once you've done a couple of nails, you will soon figure out what works best for you.
I have proper pet nail clippers which some prefer but I find a good quality pair of toenail clippers more controllable.
Click to expand...
Thank you for your insights.
 
Gaia: 'I will assist here! *coughs* Under no circumstances is a Slave to even think about looking at a guinea-pig's paws, let alone trim their toe knives!'

*puts Gaia away in her tantrum box*

Some guinea-pigs never stop being feisty... 🙄

If it helps, I never hold my two when I'm trimming their nails and I have no-one to help me either. I place them on the kitchen counter with a lamp on a few inches away so I see their toes really well. I then cuddle them into my chest but they remain sat on the counter and I just lift the paw I want to work on and trim away with nail clippers. Do front and back one side, then turn them around so I can do the opposite side. I don't even need to bribe them with snacks this way but you could plonk something in front of your guinea-pig's faces for them to nibble at whilst you work away.
 
Saskia at Los Angeles Guinea Pig Rescue has some good you tube tutorials on holding them for health checks, nail trims etc. Every pig is different eg;
My Mischievous Master Boris is a drama pig who screams like his leg is being ripped off......before I even use the clippers. I use soft restraining methods.
Dignified Sir George let's me do whatever I want and (bless him) lays down with back feet sticking out for me as demonstrated below.
I find it easier to do it by myself but some people prefer an assistant, don't worry too much, you will find your way.20241029_155750.webp
 
Ophelia has dark paws but Bianca is more dramatic (even when she hasn't been hurt). They usually sit in a cuddle cup, and wriggle a bit. (No, don't hide!) If we accidentally cut the quick, there is a little squeak, slaves apologise over and over again, stop the bleeding, and give vegetables.
 
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