Trimming Easily Frightened Guinea's Nails

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Foxy

Foxy

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I've only had Isaac for a little over two weeks now and I think I'm going to have to trim his nails soon. He is 4 months old and is a skinny pig (hairless guinea). He is also my first guinea so many things are still first time for me.

Isaac has recently gotten scratches on his skin and after watching his daily routines I've narrowed it down to the scratches being caused by his own nails when he gets an itch. He also has dry patches on his skin which I have been trying to help clear up by using coconut oil.

Because we've been together for only a few weeks, he's not always comfortable with me touching his skin other than between and around the ears so I am hoping for some tips on how to trim his nails without scaring him too much.
 
@helen105281 has some experience with skinny pigs so have tagged her in on year question. The only thing I can suggest is wrapping Isaac in a towel while you work. I have always found nails a lot easier with another person helping by cuddling the piggy!
 
How about sitting him on a pillow so the back of him is leaning against your front, he will feel more secure this way and this is how nails are trimmed at the clinic I sometimes volunteer at. You could always wrap him a towel first, though it may restrict access to his nails. A second pair of hands may help too.

Please could you update your location on your profile as it will help us advise you, Welcome to the forum.
 
Thank you both! I will wait until OH is home from work tonight and try. Whenever he's on someone's lap he seems to want to explore more than anything :roll:
 
It can also help if he is distracted by stuffing his face with some grass or favourite veg.

It can sometimes take me more than one session with new and very wiggly/skittish piggies until I have all nails done. I just to work my way through as much as possible.

You can try to "desensitising" your piggies by touching and handling their feet gently whenever you cuddle your piggies; that way they become less bothered.

That said, my five year old bully boy is STILL sceaming murder every single time I cut his nails, and that after 4 years here and not one snip gone awry... :mal:
 
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