Nail trims - change of heart?

[StarstruckAngel]

The first time I cut Angel's nails, she was fine with it. She didn't LIKE it, she was squirmy, but she understood that I had to hold onto her leg and in a minute I'd let her go about her business.

This time, she took a fit! I got one foot done, and then she balled up and would not unroll. That was two days ago. Today I tried again, and managed to get a whole 3 nails, as she yanked her leg hard enough that I was afraid she would hurt herself. She pretty much attacked me with her quills, there was a bit of blood on my thumb, I can't see any on her so I'm assuming it was me bleeding, though I can't see anything on me either since washing it off.

Why would this be scarier for her the second time around?

 

[Kalandra]

Maybe the nail clipping is causing her some discomfort.

I have one that I had to change to adult nail clippers. Her nails are so thick that the baby nail clippers must cause her some discomfort as she would get extremely mad during the process... and I was barely taking anything off. After a few experiences after the switch she stopped squirming as much.

You may also want to try to let her walk around in water for a few minutes before clipping, it helps soften the toe nails. May be worth a shot to see if it helps.

 

[StarstruckAngel]

The try (now 3) days ago was after a bath so they should have been a bit softer. Then again, on my end, I can't feel any difference between after a bath and any other night. I've tried both baby clippers and baby scissors, and I don't have a clue which she prefers, but I'm finding the scissors easier to handle.

 

[Kalandra]

Go with what you are most comfortable with using. I like the baby nail clippers, but I know I saw someone post that they preferred cuticle clippers.

You can also try to pretend you are clipping with her. Hold her and her feet still on a fairly regularly basis when you have no intention of clipping her nails. It may help her get used to this type of handling and maybe even help her figure out that nothing bad is going to happen to her.

With all that said, some hedgehogs can be just difficult to trim their nails. They will fight it no matter what. Sadly its a basic care requirement and our poor fingers have to take the wrath of a hedgehog.

 

[charlie]

Ahhh, nail clipping is always a different experience from day to day in our house, bt an essential requriement. Make sure whatever you are using is not dull, that seems to make things more uncomfortable as well and clippers and scissors do tend to dull after time.

 

[hellohedgie]

since i only offer baby food during nail clippings junebug USUALLY goes along with it and i can get them done. i just put some on a plate and let her stand on it and she starts to eat and i carefully pick up each foot and cut. usually the front ones are hardest for me to do but luckily they dont grow as fast!

 

[Myhedgielovesme]

you dont HAVE to clip her nails if you let her run around in the garden alot

maybe this is a good solution?

 

[Nancy]

you dont HAVE to clip her nails if you let her run around in the garden alot

maybe this is a good solution?

Certainly you do. Depending on where people live, running around in a garden is not an option, nor is it an option for 9+ months of the year.

Nail trims are part of hedgehog ownership. There's no miracle solution.

 

[Myhedgielovesme]

help!

I need help than... i mean like clipping her nails

Do you think I could consult a vet for help?
Or just do it myself?

Also, where do you purchase clippers?

:wacko: thx

 

[Jeanette]

Spiny HATES having his nails clipped. The only way that I can do it is to put him on a towel, (don't get any nails caught), flip him on his back and cut away.

Mind you, he doesn't curl into a ball but just squirms until he gives up and lets me cut.

Also, where do you purchase clippers?

:wacko: thx

Wal-Mart, the drug store, corner store....
Just get baby nail clippers. I have used adult nail clippers, but you have to be very careful. It's more difficult to see where the quick is with larger clippers.

Oops.. well, for anyone ELSE wondering where to get clippers.