Guinnea pig woes,cutting their nails

[Theorysparky]

Patch

What is the best way of doing this

i virtually need to 'pin' them to my chest and get the wifey to do it

they dont like it and they dont talk to us afterwards !!!!

is there an easier way ????

Cheers Mate

 

[Apache]

Remember that a guinea pig is a pray species so rushing in grabbing it and turning it upside down won't start it off in a good mood - it will go into panic mode!

Get yourself some decent small nail clippers. If you use old blunt ones they squeeze the nail and cause pain, if one nail hurts, they will expect them all to. Also be very careful how much you take off as making them bleed by cutting to short hurts and will make them more reluctant next time. I would recommend for guinea pigs (anything up to cat size) scissor type nail clippers:

like these Nail Clippers Scissors Grooming Trimmer for Pet Dog Cat | eBay UK

If you can do the beastie on a non slip surface [rubber car mat] and lift the paw you are working on whilst an assistant comforts the pig. Just having them used to handling will really help with this.

Have the correct equipment, go calmly and gently and don't cause any pain! Simples.

[if they bleed the shaving sticks that you buy for the chemist are good to have, but any powder will help the blood coagulate]

 

[Theorysparky]

We handle them all the time (though they are not house pigs)

not made them bleed yet but the thing that may distress them is getting their hair caught in the clippers

Cheers for that advice.

 

[Apache]

Hair caught shouldn't hurt - just make sure you open them again so you don't pull it!

I have a soft spot for the guinea pigs.

 

[Sidewinder]

Hmmm,

Don't we know it...

 

[Theorysparky]

I like that Sidey !!!!! ROTFWL

 

[SPECIAL LOCATION]

PatchWhat is the best way of doing this

i virtually need to 'pin' them to my chest and get the wifey to do it

they dont like it and they dont talk to us afterwards !!!!

is there an easier way ????

Cheers Mate

The easiest way we do it......

Is get my eldest daughter to do them....

She is a Dab-hand at trimming the G-Pigs nails...

we've had a fair few G-pigs at our house and she has been good with lots of them..

Think she used to sit em in her arms with a bit of food to munch on...

think she also had them standing on an old towel in case of Pigs bleeding on her clothes..

But she just basically got on and did it.... I think..

She's down at Bath Uni now..

so I can't ask her very easily!

:C :Salute