Cutting nails

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

What hurts more? Having long nails or having a couple nails bleeding for pigs? I was going to cut my Guinea pigs nails in about a week as I need help doing it but they are long and I wasn’t sure if I should do it and a maybe some of his nails bleed a tiny bit or if I should just wait. His nails are black so they are very hard to do.

 

[fluffysal]

I have a piggy with all black nails and it gave me concern too. If you have you tube, there are a couple of good guides with specific advice about cutting the black ones. With Sir George I put my thumb where the nail starts to curl, then cut just below. It's a good idea to get some styptic powder just in case.
Alternatively there's no shame in having the vet do them, especially if it's a young piggy who's not used to it yet.

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

Wait that is so funny the Guinea pigs nails I am trying to cut is called George

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

He is just really fidgety, so it’s hard to keep him still

 

[fluffysal]

You don't have to do them all at once. One foot at a time is fine. How old is he and does he have a cagemate?

 

[George.pickle_ pumpkin]

Yes he has 2 sisters but he has never let me pick him up without his sisters with him so I have to have them on my lap aswell I’m not sure how old he is as he’s a rescue but my guess is around 2-3

 

[fluffysal]

I just noticed your avatar picture, so gorgeous

 

[Spring100]

I also have 2 piggy's with black nails. What works well here is a large lamp on. On my lap on their buttocks. Then they sit quite still. If you have good light you can see where you can cut.
When I take them out, I always touch their feet. This has also made cutting nails easier over time.

 

[Merab]

I tend to wimp out as I have a piggy with black paws so I take them to the vet nurse for nail trimming