Of all my years of being owned by hammies, I haven't ever had to trim nails. Usually letting them climb the stairs, sand baths and giving shelled nuts keeps them in check.
However, several months ago I noticed my old man (2.5yrs) had twisted & thick nails on almost all of them.
I tried all the suggestions I could find.
He doesn't eat food outside the cage so trying to give him something to eat and trim them while he was distracted didn't work
Scruffing him caused him too much stress, plus it was hard to scruff and trim at the same time
I then tried holding him how I hold my rats to do their nails, pressed against me... I got bit for the first time
So I was left having to think what else I could do. Taking him to the vet wasn't really an option as it was during lockdown, plus it was likely it wouldn't be a one time thing so something I'd have to learn to do myself.
Eventually I found a way that is a bit fiddly and time consuming but I have safely managed to trim all nails (over several sittings) and they do not appear to be growing back
It should be remembered that hamsters have a quick (blood vessel along nail) which if you cut can be painful and bleeds. It is uselful to have styptic sticks to stop bleeding, in your medical box
styptic stick.jpg
So what did I do? I took the mesh lid from my rat show tank, I pushed a carrot through a gap and while he is filling his pouches, I carefully trim the nails from underneath!
I find small thread scissors better than clippers as I can get the nail from any angle whereas with the clippers, you have to place the nail in between and more likely to tear it if he pulls away.
As I live alone it was hard to get a photo for you to visualise but here is my attempt! I hope if anyone is having trouble and out of options like I was, this method may work for you.
Good lighting and glasses also help
Trim nail equipment.jpg
Boromor trim nails.jpg