Nail clipping

[Scarlett]

I used to clip Scarlett’s nails every few weeks or so. I rarely got a thump or grunt out of her when I did it. All of a sudden, she WILL NOT LET ME DO IT! I mean, thumps, grunts, nips. She can sit on my lap calm as can be and as soon as I reach for the clippers she goes crazy. I don’t understand what happened that she won’t let me do it anymore. I have never hit the quick and always reward with banana (her favorite.) I took her into the vet a few weeks ago to get a nail trim since I wasn’t able to do it and the vet tech said she was the hardest bun she’s EVER had when it came to clipping the nails. Where did this come from she used to be fine!?

It’s about time that her nails get clipped again. I don’t want to have to keep taking her into the vet (I will if I have to). Anyone have any ideas? Scarlett is a very stubborn bun, she used to be easily handled but as time has gone on and she’s gotten comfortable she’s gotten less, hmmm submissive, when it comes to grooming and forced handling – which is necessary sometimes.  Not sure what to do…I’m getting worried about her nails as they’re quite long now and I don’t want her to snag them on something.

[Michelle&Lolli]

What happened is…..she got comfortable! How long have you had her? I think that perhaps she’s now starting to show her personality and is comfortable enough to fight you on things. It really is a good thing!

You will probably need to change the way you clip her nails now. If you were able to do them with her just sitting on your lap, you may now have to put her in the bunny burrito or find another way to keep her subdued so she won’t hurt herself or you. I know others will be able to give you better tips. I just hold lolli on her back while a friend clips so I’ve never put her in the burrito or anything. Or you may decide it’s just easier to take her to the vet.

[Scarlett]

Ya, that’s kind of what I figured. I think I’ve had her almost 9 months now. I knew she was getting more comfortable but I kind of figured she’d just be used to the nail clippings by now. I think I’m going to have to try it with 2 people. I’ve never had to before so hopefully maybe that will work. Thank you!

[LoveChaCha]

I agree – 2 people is better than one.

A friend used to hold my bunny, and stick one paw/limb out at a time for me to trim.

[Dee]

It sounds like you will be able to clip her with the help of a friend, or maybe just by restraining her in a burrito. You already have the confidence and know-how, you just need Scarlett’s cooperation! But if you really find it impossible, try gtting in touch with the House Rabbit Society. My girl bunny, Nelli, is an absolute wildwoman and I can’t even pick her up, never mind groom her. I don’t know if you have this around your way, but in MA they have great people from the House Rabbit Society who will come to your house and help or, in my case, do the clipping for you. You make a donation, how much $ depends on the area I think, and it’s great cuz it’s less traumatic than taking your buns to the vet. Good luck!

[bunnymum16]

i have the same problem with my bunny Chace too.tomorrow there will be a SaveaBunny pet adoption showcase here in our area so i will be bringing my bun to get a free nail trim.i am not gonna try to do it myself.i already know i will fail.

Dee is right.you can always ask your local HRS to help you out.

[KatnipCrzy]

Try to cover her eyes before she sees the clippers- that may help.

[MirBear]

i fancy myself an expert on this topic..

I clip bunnies nail’s regularly (kinda have my own buisness going) and one thig i ALWAYS find works, trancing and covering their eyes.. i do clipping by myself, and i have small hands and for some of the flemmies i’ve handled, they sure put up a fight. i flip them on their backs and hold them between my legs, then wrap a peice of cloth over their eyes and tie it under their chin, this way it wont hurt them, their calmer, and they cannot bite me. the i clip their nails, never pull back when they move their paws, keep a firm but gentle hold on them at all times.

Hope this helps.

[RabbitPam]

I think trancing is a delicate process that needs to be practiced to be done well, and is not always recommended as being comfortable for a bunny even though they look it. It’s kind of a way to introduce another set of problems if you have them struggle or try to flip over. I would prefer using the bunny burrito method first. You can cover the eyes in the burrito without fear of smothering.

You also might try it alone with her in a confined space, like the bathroom, or inside an xpen. I started doing Sammy’s nails by closing us both in her habitat, then burrito lightly, and was successful pretty quickly, consider the few romps around the pen before I caught her. I don’t know what makes them decide they hate it, but it’s pretty common.

[DawnT]

I am so afraid to cut my buns nails. I know I should but I am to nervous. I take my buns to the vet (every two months) and I am charges $11.00 per bunny (I have two) If I would hurt my buns I would be devastated.

[MirBear]

whenever i trance mine properly and hold their body in that position they dont snap out of it.. only when their not fully tranced. or moved then the freak out a bit.

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