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Cutting guinea pigs nails during lockdown

Claire W

Claire W

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So, I usually take my piggies to the vets to have their nails trimmed but due to lockdown, I won’t be able to so will have to do it myself :(

What’s the easiest way please? I can get my husband to help but will be mortified if I cut the quick. Both have clear nails which I’m hoping will make it easier
 
Claire W said:
So, I usually take my piggies to the vets to have their nails trimmed but due to lockdown, I won’t be able to so will have to do it myself :(

What’s the easiest way please? I can get my husband to help but will be mortified if I cut the quick. Both have clear nails which I’m hoping will make it easier
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If in doubt, rather cut off too little than too much. And if necessary, ask your hub to do the cutting while you do the holding. Piggies pick up on you being squeamish.
Here is our nail cutting guide: Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails
 
Wiebke said:
If in doubt, rather cut off too little than too much. And if necessary, ask your hub to do the cutting while you do the holding. Piggies pick up on you being squeamish.
Here is our nail cutting guide: Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails
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Thank you for that as I hadn’t seen the guide :) Think I’ll get hub to do the cutting whilst I do the holding. I’ll ask him to just take the tips off
 
I recently started doing nail trims at home, I usually get my husband to hold the piggy upwards leaning back against his chest (he has one hand loosely around their chest and one firmly under the bum) while I do the back feet, same position as for bum checks- then the piggy sits on his lap facing me while I sit on the floor to do the front. Much coriander is involved, and I only take off a couple of millimetres- and if they start squirming I stop and do the other feet another day! Best of luck x
 
I do my own guinea pig nails, dot is amazing and let's you do it. Bernie on the other hand 😱
 
I‘ve just started doing my piggies’ nails too.
A small dish of cornflour on hand was helpful when I did nick a nail.
I felt worse than my piggy
 
Wiebke said:
Don't go in with the expectation that you will necessarily get all nails done, just do as many in one go as you can and tackle the others on another day. ;)

Using piggy whispering tips to assert your friendly authority and giving plenty of piggy kisses and praise does help.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips
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Yes lots of ear kisses and reassuring words and going down to piggy face level rather than looming in from above works wonders, especially for our boss lady bigpig Clover who is terrified of having her feet touched!
I am sure Clover trusts me much more than the vet nurse because of the ear kissing :)
 
Mine are too traumatised to eat during nail cutting. I like the idea of a vit at a time. Cut Mistletoes quick the other week, she screamed. I felt awful. Going to have another look at the piggy whispering thread.
 
Usually one of us holds and one of us cuts. Sometimes it helps if one of the kids holds a carrot for them to eat to keep them distracted while I cut.
 
If I couldn't get them done at the vets I'd rope someone in to help me, my hands are too shaky otherwise. Their back to my chest, one hand on a bum, and the other holding their front - then keeping a paw in place between two fingers of whichever hand was closest.
Oh, and usually warning whoever it was that B was going to try to bite them. It's amazing how quick someone can be when cranky guinea pig teeth are on the menu. I'm in awe of anyone who can do it all themselves.
 
Lorcan said:
If I couldn't get them done at the vets I'd rope someone in to help me, my hands are too shaky otherwise. Their back to my chest, one hand on a bum, and the other holding their front - then keeping a paw in place between two fingers of whichever hand was closest.
Oh, and usually warning whoever it was that B was going to try to bite them. It's amazing how quick someone can be when cranky guinea pig teeth are on the menu. I'm in awe of anyone who can do it all themselves.
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I don’t know how people manage to do it themselves. Imagine being Wiebke!
 
Just had Mrs Dougal out for a bum trim and wash. It was bad . . She's a wiggler
I know her nails need doing and oh my I'm so worried but going have to . . Wish one you guys lived near to help. I'm dreading it
 
Claire W said:
I don’t know how people manage to do it themselves. Imagine being Wiebke!
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Aah, but Wiebke has Guinea pig whisperer status. And a huge amount of experience. I can do some of mine on my own. Generally those are the ones who know the drill and just cooperate. Others I can only do with the help of MrA either because they are drama queens or because my nerves won’t stand the strain of doing them alone. Even those of us in rescue have sessions where we go and help the other do all their piggies nails (well pre lockdown we did)
 
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