Cutting Nails

[ubergoober]

Ok I am so freaking paranoid its crazy.  I think she might let me but I am scared to do it and hurt her.  Her nails are getting out of control though and it NEEDS to be done.  How far down do you go…she has dark nails for the most part.  And do you guys use a kitty/doggy  clipper or nail clippers?

[MooBunnay]

Hi! Yes, nail trimming can be a bit nerve wracking – but its definitely do-able on your own. Here is a site that Binky Bunny recommends: http://exoticpets.about.com/cs/rabbits/ht/RabbitNails.htm which gives you the basics. For dark nailed bunnies, it is harder to see the quick and using a flashlight to shine from behind the nail can help you see the quick. My boyfriend and I usually do this in pairs – I hold the bun and he trims or vice-versa. For relationship peace however, I recommend that there be a rule that the one HOLDING cannot shriek/complain/wince etc. as the trimmer is doing their job recommended from experience of course!

[Timmy]

I don’t think it’s possible for me to cut Timmy’s nails without someone else holding him down! He is set down on the lap, has a towel put over him so he doesn’t see what’s going on to get more nervous, and then I find it helps to get his fur around the nails a little wet so it’s easier to see the nails. Then he gets a treat afterwards. I’ve only successfully cut all his nails just a couple days ago… the times before that I only got maybe five in the most and then he would take a run for it!

[wendyzski]

Pepper fights and struggles and generally puts up a fuss.

But as soon as we’re done she hakes it off and runrunruns to the kitchen – she KNOWS that she gets a treat when we’re done, so I usually find her standing up next to the treat shelf by the time I get there.  SO it can’t be THAT bad!

[BinkyBunny]

Check out the Monthly Maintenance section.    Scroll down to nails.  It’ll show you exactly where to cut and how the flashlight technique helps highlight the quick.  Use nail clippers meant for dog/kitty nails.  You can see examples of the kind I use in the above link. You choose the kind you feel comfortable with, but don’t use regular human nail clippers.

When you are first trying to do this, it’s definitely better to have someone help you, and you can cut just a little bit to get the hang of it.  

I know it’s scary, but the more you do it, the better you’ll get.  You can also have a vet or many shelters and rabbit rescues will do it for fee, and it might be helpful for you to watch them first, and maybe have them let you try a couple of nails, so you can be guided and gain confidence that way.

[skunklionshow]

I was a pro w/ cutting kitty claws by the time I got around to bunny nails…here’s my ten cents:

I use a toe nail clipper instead of an animal nail clipper.  Its easier for me to handle w/ one hand, to hold down the bun w/ the other hand.

If you don’t have styptic powder, for accidently cuts, you can substitute cornstarch.  Its also cheaper than styptic powder and easier to keep on hand if you cook w/ it.

To get used to trimming w/o freaking…start small.  Just do the tips on a regular basis.  Also regular trims help the animal get used to the trimming time and help to train the quick.

Jessica still gives me a hard time.  The cats are much easier going.  The best is my giant 13 year old Tom.  He’s been getting trims since he was 7 weeks old! 

[(dig)x(me)x(now)]

I just trimmed Frankie’s nails for the first time… He freaked a little bit, so we wrapped him in a towel. He calmed down after that and was fairly patient. I tried to give him a treat when we were done, but he got antisocial for a few minutes because of the whole ordeal. He calmed down after a bit and gobbled down some food.

[Scarlet_Rose]

Ah, you’ve discovered the classic "bunny burrito" technique. It works well!

[Author]

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