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Old 10-07-2015, 01:59 PM   #1
bbbarker
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Default Hamsters nail too long?

One of my Syrian's nail at the front it looking too long, it's curved over. I have tried clipping it myself but although she is tame she will not sit still whilst I'm trying. I've just attempted to clip it now with no luck, I'm stressing her out too much so decided to give up. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice? I could take her to my vets but surely if she won't sit still for me she's not going to sit still for them, plus the stressful visit to the vets as well. I've read I could use sandpaper but then I've read that would hurt her feet. I'm just a bit stuck now on what to do, plus I'm worried. She doesn't seem to be in pain when walking she's still as active as ever. In fact she had me up at 5 this morning rearranging her cage so she can't be in that much pain if she is. Any advice would be so appreciated, I worry about the littlest things when it comes to them
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Old 10-07-2015, 02:26 PM   #2
Jeir
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Default Re: Hamsters nail too long?

- Sandpaper, under sand. The sand will protect the soft skin while the claws will go beneath the surface and scratch against the sandpaper. I've done it a few times for my hybrids; it works better for some rather than others. If you're worried about her paws, you can just let her use it while supervised for a short while, and not leave it in the cage.

- Sand on its own helps a little. I've never had an issue with my Syrians getting long nails, and for most of them, all they really had was a sand bath/potty. Hybrids are another matter, as their claws seem to grow super-fast compared to other species.

- Wooden toys/platforms. The hybrid I have that the sandpaper didn't work for has finally gotten his nails down to a better length simply by running on his wooden wheel. Wooden climbing frames/bendy bridges and such around the cage may help too.

- Rough surfaces, like wood or flat stones, placed where they often go, such as under the water bottle.

- Walnuts, and peanuts, still in the shells. Nails (and teeth!) will grind down as they try to get the fatty goodness inside.
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Old 10-07-2015, 03:02 PM   #3
bbbarker
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Default Re: Hamsters nail too long?

I will definitely try the sand paper under her bathing sand, she has to have bathing sand at all times anyway because she has a spinal deformity and needs it to clean herself. She has a wooden bendy bridge and funnily enough I gave her a peanut in a shell tonight. Thanks for the advice I'll get some sand paper tomorrow and let you know how I get on x
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Old 10-07-2015, 03:38 PM   #4
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Default Re: Hamsters nail too long?

As two of my girls are either older or poorly and aren't as active, I have the problem with their nails getting too long, it was the same as Bindle as her illness developed. I have taken them to the vets, having tried myself to clip the nails. I actually found that they have all been very good with the vet, and he or she, depending who I have seen, has been able to clip their nails quickly because they have the experience and confidence, whereas I am not as efficient. I find it is less stressful to pop the girls down to the vets, rather than me and them get stressed out.

Bracken will be going before the end of the week.

The sandpaper is a good long term strategy but if that nail is already curving round, then it might be too late for the sandpaper to have an effect on it, especially as it needs sorting sooner rather than later. On this occasion you might need to take your Syrian to see the vet.
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