Where People & Piggies Thrive

Newbie or Guinea Guru? Popcorn in!

Register for free to enjoy the full benefits.
Find out more about the NEW, drastically improved site and forum!

Register

Nails/Nail Trimming Clipping nails of piggies who are still scared to be touched?

butterflylover5

Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
Posts
68
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
Messages
68
I adopted 2 pigs about 2 1/2 weeks ago and they still are afraid of bring touched or held. I never grab at them or pet them when they don't want to be, but every time they sniff my hand they go and hide.

I just noticed that they both really need to have their nails clipped really bad. Any tips or tricks on how to do with without traumatizing them?

Thank you!
 

abbiemath753

Member
Cavy Gazer
Joined
Oct 17, 2017
Posts
4
Joined
Oct 17, 2017
Messages
4
You could take them into the exotic vet & they can do it, the cost varies but i dont think it costs that much? And it'll be easier bc you dont want to mess up if they squirm :)
 

butterflylover5

Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
Posts
68
Joined
Oct 8, 2017
Messages
68
I have a vet appointment set up for it's not until November 6. Hoping I can wait till then but I don't want it to get too bad.
 

bpatters

Moderator
Staff member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Posts
29,246
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Messages
29,246
Just pick them up and cut their nails. It's easier if one person holds the pig and applies the carrot to its mouth and the other one cuts, but it can be done by one person. See https://www.guinealynx.info/nails.html.
 

lisa325

Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Apr 22, 2016
Posts
710
Joined
Apr 22, 2016
Messages
710
It really is so much easier and less stressful on them if two people are involved. All of our pigs are used to having their nails clipped now, and just chill until it's done, they do get used to it over time. I have heard of people wrapping them in some fleece or a small blanket, with one person doing the holding, while the other person releases one foot at a time and does the trimming. Food really does help, it keeps them distracted while you get the job done. Just give it a try, don't get nervous and use their favorite food as a distraction. Good luck!! :)
 

ZiggyPig

Well-known Member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Aug 1, 2017
Posts
210
Joined
Aug 1, 2017
Messages
210
All of the above is great advice for someone who is used to clipping animal nails, but, for instance, I have super squirmy piggies, we did it with two people and wrapped in fleece and I have been clipping dog/cat nails forever. I still managed to nick the quick on one of them.

However, @butterflylover5 if you do hit the quick on a nail, DON'T PANIC. If you don't have Quik Stop or something, I find flour works just as well. Press the nail gently into the flour for a moment and it will help stop the bleeding. Then just give a treat and move to a different foot if possible. That's what worked for us.
 

spy9doc

Well-known member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Posts
48
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
48
Yesterday was grooming day at our house and that included over-due nail clipping. I too invariably manage to clip one of Chip's all black nails too short.

My boys don't mind the clipping in the least, but I go two steps further and Dremel the sharp edges and apply a bit of quick-drying nail polish. This is the only way I can avoid having my sensitive skin constantly scratched. They both sulked for a couple of hours afterward, but by lap time last night, all was forgiven. Yes, it would be easier with two people, but I have managed the task solo for several years.

I would also suggest that one wear latex/vinyl gloves to avoid being bitten. My Chip has gotten much better about the whole process, but will still bite if he's too frightened or I happen to cause him pain. He doesn't understand the "I'm so sorry I hurt you", but the soothing cuddles (and perhaps a carrot) afterward get my message across.
 

spy9doc

Well-known member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Posts
48
Joined
Oct 9, 2011
Messages
48
Looks like an interesting kit for someone, but not for cavies.

Standard nail clippers for humans may work, but are not appropriate for cavies no matter what size the clippers may be. Nail clippers can split cavy nails and leave a mess.

Nail clippers/scissors like the one pictured below work just fine and are inexpensive. The blades encircle the nail without fear of splitting it.

Nail scissors.jpg
 

bpatters

Moderator
Staff member
Cavy Slave
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Posts
29,246
Joined
Sep 23, 2009
Messages
29,246
Ditto [MENTION=19714]spy9doc[/MENTION]. Please don't use human scissors or clippers. The cat nail clippers just above work just fine, and properly used, prevent the nail from splitting.
 
Status
This thread has been closed due to inactivity. You can create a new thread to discuss this topic.

Similar threads

paigeherbbasil
Nails/Nail Trimming Clipping nails
Replies
3
Views
439
bpatters
bpatters
H
Replies
7
Views
792
htavares
H
stephybond
Replies
6
Views
646
cruella-de-vil
cruella-de-vil
X
Replies
1
Views
324
bpatters
bpatters
gpihgos
Replies
3
Views
702
gpihgos
gpihgos
Top