Guinea pigs biting nails?

[gayfurryclown]

My pigs have been in need for some nail clipping for a while, and though I’ve done it before, I’m extremely nervous. Full seriousness, my heart starts pounding like crazy and I get strong feelings of anxiety. Basically I have no confidence regarding this.

I’m embarrassed to admit that though their claws need clipping, I’ve been putting it off and procrastinating. That being said, I’ve noticed that some of their nails are suddenly shorter than others. I’m worried that they’re breaking, but I also suspect the pigs are biting them? I often see them scratch themselves and then bite and pull at their toes.

Is this something I should be worried about? Does anyone else’s pigs do that? Any advice is appreciated, thank you.

 

[Betsy]

If you are nervous of cutting your piggie's nails, you can always ask if this is a service that your vet or a vet nurse will do for you.

 

[fluffysal]

There's no shame in getting their nails cut at the vets. There are a lot of advantages to it. Firstly they get an check up, also they get used to going to the vet and if they need to go for something else it's not as stressful for them.
Dignified Sir George is a nail biter. He even chews his when they are short. I'm growing mine and he desperately wants to bite them off. He starts licking my hand and works his way up to sneak in a nibble

 

[Claire W]

I had guinea pigs for nearly 16 years and never dared cut their nails myself apart from during the pandemic when vets wasn't offering routine appointments and me and my husband had no choice. I have always taken them to the vets for nail cutting. There really is no shame and your vets will be happy to offer this service either with a vet or vet nurse x