clipping nails

[mocha200]

ok i have never cliped mochas nails. i know that sounds bad but me and my mom tryed but we only got one foot done. i know that cliping bunnys nails is inportant and i want to know how to do it. I read the thing on nail cliping on BB but i just can’t do it another thing i just want to thank you guys so much for all your help. I love this websight and every one on it!

[jerseygirl]

It can be daunting! If he’s never had them done, you can get a vet or vet tech to do them. Sometimes starting out, you can just cut the very tip off until you feel more confident. It’ll help Mocha get used to it also. Sometimes the “quick” of the nail is long too, so regular tip clipping helps the quick to recede.
I was just looking at some rabbit care tips at this site. http://www.rabbitnetwork.org/articles/calvin11.shtml  You might find this one on nail trims useful. It mentions something similar to the “press, press, clip” technique. This is when you apply pressure with the clippers where you want to cut. If the rabbit doesn’t react, then your away from the qucik area and it’s safe to clip.

[mocha200]

thanks for the article jerseygirl. he has gotten his nails clipped once when he was little, the people who gave me mocha cliped them before they gave him to me but other than that he hasn’t.

[mocha200]

maybe i will try it again tomorrow. is there any cautions when doing this other than cutting them to short?

[Elrohwen]

My only other tip is to remember that there are 5 nails on the front feet – the 5th is the dew claw and it’s located a bit higher up on the inside of the leg.

[mocha200]

ok thanks

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Rather then try to clip nails, why don’t you instead practice the confinement method you’ll use when clipping nails.

There are two options-trance (bunny is upside down-usually craddled in your arms) or burrito method-where you wrap them in a towel and pull one nail out at a time. Both methods are scary for a bunny at first-add a struggling bunny and an inexperienced person with clippers and it’s not fun for either of you.

Try instead practicing the burrito method or the trance method. Do it for a few seconds and give some raisins after. Keep practicing several times a day gradually extending the time the bunny is in the trance or burrito. Always give treats after.
Then add handling a foot while the bunny is in the burrito or trance-give treats after.

Your bunny willl quickly realize the ‘game’ and be more comfortable being held that way. Then try clipping nails

[KatnipCrzy]

If you are really unsure and not confident- you should call your vet- find out how much a nail trim is- and ask them to show you how they are doing it.  My clinic is always more than happy to show how it is done.  So you could get it done and get a in person lesson at the same time- usually a tech or assistant cuts the nails- so there is no exam fee, etc- just the nail trim fee.  If you have someone that helps you trim at home- have them come along too so they can see how to hold.

With clipping nails- there is the danger of cutting too short- but you can use styptic powder or flour or cornstarch to pack on the end of the nail to clot and stop the bleeding.  There is more danger in improper restraint than the actual cutting.

Depends on the rabbit- but I trim my bunnies nails monthly as they are mainly on carpet- and they don’t “dig” or do much to wear their nails down..  My English Lop especially needs his done monthly as he occasionally steps on his ears- so after I cut his nails I use a regular nail file to blunt the ends of the cut/sharp nail.  The others I do not bother to file the ends.  He has never really scratched his own ears but I have seen bumps that look like irritation.

[KatnipCrzy]

It is important to remember the dew claw as pointed out by someone else- as this nail NEVER gets any wear- as they never walk on bear weight on that nail.

[mocha200]

we just tried to cut his nails, he did really good! only at the end he got a little jumpy so we didn’t get one paw done.

[mocha200]

then when we set him down he hopped around acting like nothing happened. he is such a good sport love you Mocha!

[Author]

Messages