Cutting rabbit’s nails

[PeachyCream]

Hi so I’ve decided to try and cut Bright Eyes’ nails myself since they’re getting really long… I was able to cut one of each nail on the front paws and he didn’t seem to upset by the sound or anything (we do have proper clippers for pets, since we have to cut the cat’s nails a lot due to her having a couple ingrown nails) But he definitely is not fond of the process either… I put him on the chair and was doing it there but after the nails were cut he struggled and jumped off the chair and ran to hide under the dining table… How can I make him stay still? I’ve tried to put him in a trance before but he’s tried to kick and I’m worried about him hurting his back so that’s kind of out of the question… What do you guys think?

[Baxter n Boos Mom]

I just took my 2 buns in for their “mani/pedi” LOL. I watched the nurse do it – and she said if I wanted to try it at home – to have someone else with me. While she clipped, I pet the boys, and covered their eyes with my hands. I understand that if they can’t see – they tend not to squirm/resist as much. Also – you can try the bunny burrito technique, where you take a towel to wrap them up – so it’s difficult to squirm. Then you can pull out one paw at a time. There are videos on Youtube if you want to see how to wrap them in a towel.

We tried the burrito technique once – but thought we’d take them in this time. Not sure which stresses the boys more. For us to do it, or to take them to the vet.

[PeachyCream]

hmmm… Well I’ll try the burrito technique xD We did that when trying to bathe him (only to clean his back end and paws) and it seemed to work ok so maybe it’ll work with nail clipping as well…
Unfortunately vet visits are really expensive, so I can’t afford to take him every time he needs his nails trimmed… It seems easy enough but I’ll definitely have someone else help me…

[RabbitPam]

Since I have an xpen for Sammy’s habitat, I just climb in there with her and sit down on the floor. I kind of upend the hiding baskets, so she hasn’t got far to go. Then I leave her on the floor also, but set her between my theighs so she’s kind of securely held with my legs, facing away from me. I firmly place one hand to hold her behind her ears, pressing against her shoulders. That spot indicates dominance to them, and she’ll hold still for one paw at least. She often runs away after the first paw, but resigns herself with the other.
For the back feet she allows me to lift her and lean her back against my chest, holding her around her stomach firmly. Her back feet stick out that way. If she struggles even a little bit, I let her go Immediately! The harm to a bunny’s delicate back is in a fall or wrenching around. They are much safer if you let go.
A bunny burrito is a great way to do it, and a friend holding her in one is best, so you can use both hands for the trim. Be sure to give her a treat when it’s over, so she can eventually learn that it will be coming once this regular ordeal is over.
(And I think Sammy also learned that her feetsies feel better after a trim, so she ultimately likes it when its over.)

[Nicolene]

I find it easier to do it with 2 people. I hold the bunnies on my lap on their backs and rub their heads while my husband quickly cuts their nails. Then he will hold the guinea pigs while I cut their nails. We had to learn when our pets went from 2 to 4 and I wasn’t going to spend $80 a month on nail trims (it’s $20 an animal here in Cali). And then everyone gets a treat for good behavior. Invite a friend over if you don’t live with anyone, and then offer them a cookie for their help..
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