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clipping black nails

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sarahp

sarahp

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i am fine cutting my boys nails but struggle a bit with all of leroys and half of colins feet (2 black 2 white :D), because the nails are black and i can't see where the vein is so don't cut too much off...

The ones at the back aren't too bad but leroy's front ones are curling round a bit. is it worth me taking him to the vet to ask him for some advice? I'm sure I can take a bit more off but am frightened of hurting him! (I cut a bit too much off Malcolms once and it bled a little bit)

Also, do vets charge much for nail clipping?
 
Yes the black nails are more difficult.With experience you get to be able to judge this.Curly nails are also more difficult.It might be best to let a vet do this.Charge as far as I know should be £3- £6 ,(some vets charge more than others).

Do you have a rodentologist in your area, or a gp rescue,they would charge less than a vet.
 
Two of my piggie have black nails and what I do is they sit on my OH`s lap and he shines my tiny torch under their nails so then I can see the quick!
 
Oooh the torch is a good idea... though I still don't trust myself. Probably best I take him to a vet.

I don't think there are any rescue centres or rodentologists near me (Cirencester, Glos.) but if I'm wrong, please let me know!
 
My guinea pig has one black foot and the vet told me to do the torch idea. If you do cut the quick though, just hold a bit of cotton wool on it until it stops bleeding and it should be fine.
 
lavenderjade said:
Two of my piggie have black nails and what I do is they sit on my OH`s lap and he shines my tiny torch under their nails so then I can see the quick!
Click to expand...

the torch thing doesnt work for me, i still cant see the veins, it only works on the brown claws for me.
 
You can get special clippers from most pet shops, but human baby nail clippers work fine too.
 
:embarassed: :embarassed: :embarassed: i cheat and get my vets to do it as Duke has a couple of black nails too and i've had sooo much probs trying to cut them you'd think i was murdering him at the time ::) ;D ;D
 
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