nail clipping

[Bougatsa]

Help I cant clip  her nails! We tried with my brother today and we only got to clip 2 front nails. We did the bunny burito but she struggled very much and we had to let her go cause we were afraid she might hurt her spine.  Then I tried to hold her close to my chest and my brother to clip her nails but again she struggled a lot! My parents will kill me if I spend money on a vet for a nail clip… Give me any tips you have when it comes to bunnies that just wont cooperate! The most difficult part are the back legs. The front legs are easier cause I can do it while she just lays down resting..but when it comes to the back legs I have no idea how to make her sit still!

[kralspace]

I know it can be hard with a lot of bunnies. When you hold her to your chest, is she facing towards you or outwards? My son holds Lola against his chest with her facing outwards toward me, with one hand under her chest, fingers keeping her front legs a bit apart and the other hand under her butt with her back legs sticking out. That way she can wiggle a bit but can’t get her feet against anything to kick against. You just have to experiment with how to hold them firmly without squeezing. Then I can hold the foot steady with one hand and cut with the other.

Good luck!

[Deleted User]

I agree with kralspace’s method. It works when nothing else does!

[HatterBunny]

I do the same thing as Kralspace. I also put a blanket over JUST the eyes of Hatter, I found he remains a little more calmer that way. Please note that I do NOT cover his whole face, just lightly overy his eyes.

[BinkyBunny]

I watched a video made by the New York House Rabbit Society and it taught me a new way to position my bunnies.  Basically they are on all four legs, up at counter height.  I secure the bunny close to me and  I gently and sort of rhythmically (like when some people bob while stretching), pull the leg (that’s away from me) forward and out from underneath them and then hold, and trim that way.  

I thought, there is NO way that will work especially with Vivian and Jack who will bite if they are fearful or uncomfortable and so doing it this way I thought for sure I’d get bit.   I’ve had to get used to this method and get confident but it really works for me and it has kept my bunnies calm during the process.   The way I explained it though is much more simple than what the video teaches and so I am not sure how well my explanations will work for you.    The video itself is kind of pricey (goes to a good cause though)  and I do not know if they ship int’l     http://www.rabbitcare.org/video.htm

The only thing close to that type of nail trimming training is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2CdhIsp7uM  . The only thing similar is that the bunny is upright, but it really doesn’t offer the tips on how to get your bunny relaxed IN that position, AND how to bring the foot forward without the bunny freaking out—where the the other video for purchase gives great instruction on this. 

 

[angelicvampyre]

With Bugz and Anya I get them in a box and walk them around the house swaying the box then I put them on a table and place a towel across their back and hold them down that way then get the second person to extract one foot and clip then back in the box and away we go again. once they are all done they get lots of out of the cage time and treats. I only did this about 3 or 4 times and now they pretty much sit still for me. anything is better then the box in their opinion!

[Brianne]

 I sit on the couch and put the bunny on its back between my knees so she’s secure. Being on her back really relaxes her and she lets me clip her nails no problem. I did this with my second bunny as well, and again no problems.

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