Good Nail Length?

**Haley0489** · #1 05-12-08, 06:29 pm

I just trimmed my piggers back nails. The front ones are so short I'm too afraid I'll cut the quick.

Do you think this is a good length or bordering too long? They're about 17 weeks.

**Ly&Pigs** · #2 05-12-08, 06:56 pm

You want to get as close to the quick as you can without actually cutting into it. It helps the quick to recede as well. I think those nails could be trimmed a bit more.

**Haley0489** · #3 05-12-08, 09:05 pm

I thought so too, but I wasn't sure since I've never seen a pigs nails in person,

. I'll have to get someone to hold them so I can get closer to the quick without cutting off their whole toe! They like to wiggle.

Thanks Ly!

**MissGinger** · #4 05-13-08, 01:54 pm

I would go almost up to there. I'm lucky both my girl's have all clear nail's.

**Ziggy&Herald** · #5 05-13-08, 03:29 pm

^^Agreed^^

**Haley0489** · #6 05-13-08, 03:47 pm

I re-clipped them last night and got closer to the quick, right around the lines you drew. I think I'll clip them again in a week or two, so the quick will recede some. They had never had their nails trimmed before so that was an adventure!

Wouldn't you know my most skittish and antisocial pig was the easiest to clip. He just sat there and let me go through them. Which is great since he's the one with black nails, and I had to be extra careful.

Glad it's over for now,

!

**MissGinger** · #7 05-13-08, 05:41 pm

Glad everything went well. I alway's cut mine outside, Not only do you get a better view but usually there alittle scared so they sit perfectly still.

**catzeye21138** · #8 05-13-08, 06:18 pm

If you keep this up and clip their nails very regularly, they will stay at the desired length. The front toenails and toes should lay flat on the ground, and not curl to either side or lift the toes up any. It is OKAY if they do, but I think they look healthier with the same look on their feet as babies. You know... Babies toenails are always to nice and short, I think they should stay that way. And back nails should stay at about where they are now if not a little shorter. Just be sure they aren't lifting the foot up a lot.

Hope that made any sense at all!

**gpigluver14** · #9 05-13-08, 06:55 pm

Quote:

If you keep this up and clip their nails very regularly, they will stay at the desired length. The front toenails and toes should lay flat on the ground, and not curl to either side or lift the toes up any. It is OKAY if they do, but I think they look healthier with the same look on their feet as babies. You know... Babies toenails are always to nice and short, I think they should stay that way. And back nails should stay at about where they are now if not a little shorter. Just be sure they aren't lifting the foot up a lot.

Just clarifying: it is normal for the front nails/toes to go to the side. As a pig ages this will happen. As you can see this 2 1/2 year old's front nails (seen here) do not lie flat:

This is a diagram of how the quick will recede:

Good Luck!

**Ziggy&Herald** · #10 05-14-08, 12:13 pm

Both of my adult pigs nails curl like that. It's totally normal.

**LoveCutePiggies** · #11 05-14-08, 01:13 pm

Wow, thank so much for sharing, everyone! I did not know about the quick receding!

**Ly&Pigs** · #12 05-14-08, 01:45 pm

If you have problems seeing black nails, get someone to shine a flashlight up underneath them.

If you ever clip into the quick, just dip the nail into some plain flour if you have no quickstop available. It will stop the bleeding. I think we all accidentally clip into the quick now and again because the pigs don't always like to sit really still.

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