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Normal Feet And Nails For An Older Piggy?

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Claire W

Claire W

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Eliza has been to the vets today for a check up on her eye socket area.

Whilst there, my vet commented on how healthy she is and the only way you can really tell she is an older piggy is by her feet and nails.

I never really noticed before but her nails are growing wonky on both front feet.

Is this normal for an older piggy? Eliza is 6.5 years old.

Please excuse her wet fur, she had just had her wound flushed.

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I think so. I have noticed as my pigs have gotten older, their nails are thicker and grow in more of a corkscrew shape (makes it hard to cut them, especially the one with dark nails where I have no idea where the quick is!) I've heard that looking at nails is one way to tell the age of a pig, although I think it works better between very young and older pigs, because my almost-4-year-old pig and my 5 year old pig have similar feet/nails at this age.
 
[quotcertainlypiglet_and_rogers_mama, post: 1502921, member: 10398"]I heard young pigs have sharper nails. Not sure if it's true or not :)[/quote]
They certainly do my arms prove it lol my skinny has needle sharp claws he is yet to be tamed
 
piglet_and_rogers_mama said:
I heard young pigs have sharper nails. Not sure if it's true or not :)
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Having had a startled young pig climb up my chest while I was wearing a swimsuit, I can vouch that it is absolutely true! I think I still have the scar!
 
My Peppa's nails bascially curl straight away making him good fun to clip! Hes over 4 exact age unknown because hes a rescue.
 
Amelia Jane is five and her nails stick out to the side. I am sure it is just age. Lovely to see beautiful Eliza.
 
Nails in older piggies can twist into very tight curls or twist sideways; I have all variations with my elderlies! Some thicken up. It is actually one of the few signs that allow to make you a guess at the age of an unknown mature piggy.
 
Artie my old boys nails have changed with age, I've had Artie 2 years, his one back nail is so thick now and the others curl, hard to clip. Artie I reckon is 7-8 years old - vets at rescue said he was anything from 5-10 when he came Into rescue and he's been here 2 years.

In comparison young Chester who is only a few months old has baby claws - well sharp!
 
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