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Old 08-14-2020, 07:32 AM   #1
Amethyst_ice
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Lightbulb How Amethyst cuts nails

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
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Old 08-14-2020, 08:56 AM   #2
LunaTheHamster1
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Default Re: How Amethyst cuts nails

Oh that is a clever idea, I had exactly the same problem with my hamster Star - she was approx 2.5-3 years old.

They got done once at the vets during lockdown as she was there for something else, but soon got bad again as she was aging and not very active.

In the end I found using pet nail clippers a few nails at a time over numerous nights and giving her something to chew on was the best, she wasn't happy about it though. I was determined to do something about it though, as like you I kept thinking I can't keep sending her to the vets every few weeks, especially in lockdown. I also bought some styptic powder, just in case, but thank goodness I never had to use it.
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Old 08-14-2020, 09:54 AM   #3
Pebbles82
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Default Re: How Amethyst cuts nails

Ah I was going to ask how you did it The mesh way is something I've seen Vectis recommend as well. Great idea. The other method I saw was plonk a huge pile of yoghurt on a plate in front of them (or something else tasty). No mesh but they are so busy eating the owner was able to clip the nails one at a time without the hamster bothering.
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Old 08-14-2020, 12:26 PM   #4
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: How Amethyst cuts nails

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
Ah I was going to ask how you did it The mesh way is something I've seen Vectis recommend as well. Great idea. The other method I saw was plonk a huge pile of yoghurt on a plate in front of them (or something else tasty). No mesh but they are so busy eating the owner was able to clip the nails one at a time without the hamster bothering.
Yup tried that..he just doesnt eat anything outside! The carrot he just pouches!
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Old 08-14-2020, 02:06 PM   #5
Pebbles82
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Default Re: How Amethyst cuts nails

A good point. Mine will only eat if they feel like it! I might try your method. Although Moo is one who will never keep still and will run! Got one nail done so far lol. Even with my reading glasses I find it hard to see well enough as well! I will have to resort to wearing OH's glasses on top of mine. (Done that before! His are just magnifier glasses).
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Old 08-15-2020, 07:23 AM   #6
Amethyst_ice
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Default Re: How Amethyst cuts nails

Haha it is hard to see! The carrot shoved up means he has to sit still to try bite bits off and that's when I make my move!!!

Good luck, let me know how you get on! Easier with scissors than clippers though, less positioning needed
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