nail clipping

[blubudgie]

How often do rabbits need to have their nails trimmed. I can’t really see my buns nails because of all the fur so I can’t tell how long they are. I’ve had her for a few months now though, she is 6/7 months.

She isn’t comfortable at all being picked up or having her feet touched, but if I really should be clipping her nails regularly I will have to try. I’m thinking about using the press press clip method I saw on this forum. Do I have to get the special nail trimmers or can I use human nail clippers (I use it on my birds).

thanks

[Megabunny]

You’ll want pet clippers for the nails, I think. Some people do the nails regularly. Some don’t feel they need it all that often. You just have to push the fur back to check the nails, but that in itself may be a challenge for you, I know. Sorry I’m not familiar with the method you’ve mentioned, so no comment there. Sounds like it might be a two-person job, though sometimes less restraint is better, and they let you just pick up a foot and do your thing before they figure out what the heck you’re up to.

[JackRabbit]

I’m the worst about nail trims so I have the vet do our bunnies’ nails (I’m the bunny “holder”). I’ve seen vet techs use a bunch of different positions, and one that worked for my wiggliest bunny getting mats, shaved her rear end might work for you for nail trims . . .

Bunnies seem to love to go in reverse as much as forward, but they don’t like to go if they can’t see (usually). Try positioning your bunny on a towel, facing away from you with her butt against you. Lightly drape the end of the towel back up over her face. She can’t see to go forward and with her butt against you she knows she can’t go backward. You could even roll up a couple of towels and put them at her sides so she feels like she can’t escape in that direction either, and gently expose a back foot from under the towel. I don’t know if it will work for trimming your bunny’s nails, but may be worth a try.

Pres press clip is definitely the way to go, and cat nail clippers work great.

[blubudgie]

Thanks for the advice guys! 

I actually watched a couple videos on how to clip and just went for it. It went well. She did get away once but afterwards she stopped trying to run. I had her in a towel in my lap with her butt to me. Then to do the back legs I lifted her front half up and leaned her back against my chest and just went in with the clippers. I used human nail clippers turned sideways.

Gave her lots of raspberry afterwards lol

[Megabunny]

Wow!! That’s great!!! Wonderful to hear!

[JackRabbit]

Congrats! You are way more brave than I am!

[Author]

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