Nail Clipping

[auburnmare5]

I have been trimming my pigs nails for four years.

It takes forever (about 45 min. - 1 hr.) to trim his nails using a nail file.

I don't want to use the pig trimmers or human clippers (too scared).

Instead of me trimming the nails, should I have the vet do it?

I would imagine that it is not alot of money to trim them.

Which is better?

Having the vet trim them, or doing it myself?

How much would it cost? (About $10.00 - $15.00 at most)

What do you use?

[aaronmeister]

Most Vets will do it for those prices. I've had some do them for as low as $12. I finally gave up on paying for a vet. Get yourself some nice clippers, some septic powder, towel and a lot of patience. You need to get your cavy into the regiment of getting their nails clipper, it's the only way they will get more calm about it.

I don't have the patience to sit there with nail files.

One thing you can try is to wrap your cavy in a towel, flip it upside down, find one foot at a time and clip it. Works great for my Colbert, he will bite you if you hold him a certain way. I use this towel technique and he's done in less than 5 minutes.

[LiciaMommycott]

Oh my gosh, do it yourself. With practice it is very easy. I use this style of trimmer (although not this brand) Cat Grooming Supplies: Deluxe Nail Trimmer for Cats at Drs. Foster and Smith

I had originally bought it to do my dog's nails but that dog will not have anything to do with me when I'm holding the trimmer so I ended up using it on the pigs instead.

Mine fuss too much if on their backs so I just let them sit in my lap and do one leg at a time. When getting started, I just let the nails stay a little bit long because I was afraid of cutting the quick. Now it's totally easy. Just a couple of minutes per pig and they don't mind at all. I would never spend the money to have a vet do it.

However, I understand people who do as my dogs nails are impossible and I do pay the vet for that. It depends on the person and the animal.

[auburnmare5]

Thank you guys for your responses.

They are very useful.

Thanks again.

[alerz]

I think a little patience and practice will help you to clip your pigs' nails. It still takes me quite a bit of time, but it helps to lure them with treats and to have a helper. To bring them to the vets every couple weeks to get their nails trimmed is somewhat costly, but also may be more stressful on your little guys to have to travel so frequently. Most pigs are stressed when getting their nails cut, but in time, like others mentioned, it will become routine for all of you.

[auburnmare5]

What if I had the vet do it once every 6 weeks and I did small filing in between?

Would that be acceptable and probably less stressful on the pig?

Thank you for your responses.

[alerz]

Originally Posted by auburnmare5

What if I had the vet do it once every 6 weeks and I did small filing in between?

Would that be acceptable and probably less stressful on the pig?

Thank you for your responses.

I can't say exactly, but maybe after a few visits, your pigs would get used to going to the vet for routine clippings. However, I think you should give it a shot (clipping yourself). I think you'll realize it's not so bad! Some people even clip just one or two nails at a time, with a few days in between each "session." I usually clip my pigs' nails monthly, so I try to just clip them all at the same time, which seems less stressful to me and my pigs at least.

[talla's mommy]

Aww, dont be scared. I use regular nail clippers (the smaller ones) to trim Talla's nails. She usually just sits still and lets me do it. I was scared the first time also but if you're careful you'll do just fine!

As for taking you baby to the vet for a clipping I dont think it'd be too expensive. I took Talla about a month ago for a check up and that was only $15.