Is there a better way to trim nails?

[Phoebe+Winnie+Poppy+Chloe]

Hello, I always have a hard time trimming my guinea pigs' nails. Every single time, they will not stay still, and I sometimes cut it too short. I was wondering what is the easiest way to trim their nails? Thanks!

 

[Piggies&buns]

What are you already trying?
Have you tried wrapping them in a towel and/or using food to keep them occupied?
Also, if they dont like being handled then it can often be easier to not try to do all the nails at once - it may take a couple of separate sessions to get all the nails on one piggy done.

If you are really struggling, then sometimes it can just be best to take your piggy to a vet nurse and have them clip them for you.

 

[Claire W]

I personally take my piggies to the vets to have their nails cut but during lockdown when we had to do it ourselves, I held piggy whilst my husband cut. Do you have someone who could help you?

 

[Black piggies]

If I have a piggy who won't stay still enough, I take them to the vet or get someone to hold them upright and I feed treats as I cut their nails. But my main thing to avoid cutting the quick is always to cut little and often, I just take the very end off, (dealing with all black nails). And if I just manage 2 nails in a session because piggy is too wriggly, that's fine, I come back to it another day rather than risk it.
I had a vet years ago cut deep into every nail quick and she couldn't get the bleeding to stop for ages and the piggy was very distressed, cutting the quick upsets me, so i prefer the little and often palaver.

 

[Free Ranger]

Black nails are just the worst, aren't they George? I trim his myself, but he actually gets a pedi thrown in at the vets on a regular basis and I think it's because he's good training practice! We don't do monthly... and my 3 pigs have nails that either grow at different rates or get worn down at different rates so not everyone is done together. Athletic Flora gallops about a lot outside which probably keeps hers short. Fat old George doesn't like to move much and Louise is going the same way these days so I expect she'll have to be done more often but she's the easiest because she plays dead when she has a chin tickle...

 

[LMPigs]

We found the video here to be a game changer for nail trims: Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails

 

[Swissgreys]

Black nails are just the worst, aren't they George? I trim his myself, but he actually gets a pedi thrown in at the vets on a regular basis and I think it's because he's good training practice! We don't do monthly... and my 3 pigs have nails that either grow at different rates or get worn down at different rates so not everyone is done together. Athletic Flora gallops about a lot outside which probably keeps hers short. Fat old George doesn't like to move much and Louise is going the same way these days so I expect she'll have to be done more often but she's the easiest because she plays dead when she has a chin tickle...
View attachment 184571

Just to add that whilst this appears to be a cute picture of a relaxed guinea pig, please never flip your guinea pig on their back.
Their spines are fragile and not designed to bend this way, or cope with their body weight pressing down on them.
It is not a natural position and definitely best avoided.

And here is the Forum nail clipping guide:
Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails

Don't give up hope with nail clipping. We have had Ruby over 5 years and it still takes 3 adults to clip her nails

 

[Free Ranger]

Just to add

Well said @Swissgreys - I think it's time for that pic to be relegated to the archives seeing as these days Louise is familiar enough with me to turn back over again straight away! If it's for the best that the mods delete it I won't take offence.

Everyone got a little clip in the garden today so tactic B is to gently feel for her front paw and then make a 'kissy' noise so she looks up and thus moves her massive mutton chops out of the way so I can see what I'm doing!

 

[Engel]

Just to add that whilst this appears to be a cute picture of a relaxed guinea pig, please never flip your guinea pig on their back.
Their spines are fragile and not designed to bend this way, or cope with their body weight pressing down on them.
It is not a natural position and definitely best avoided.

And here is the Forum nail clipping guide:
Guide to Cutting Guinea Pig Nails

Don't give up hope with nail clipping. We have had Ruby over 5 years and it still takes 3 adults to clip her nails

Wow I thought Dysnomia was bad. She starts headbutts me after doing just one paw