Dwarf Hybrid Hamster Nail Length

Katie138 · 02-08-2013, 01:34 PM

Hi All,

We have two dwarf hammys, diego (3.5 month's) and harry (1.5 months).

I recently noticed their nails are getting long. My questions are how long is too long? How do you cut them? And to what length?

Thanks in advance!

Katie xx

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-08-2013, 01:42 PM

I find it difficult to explain what I'd call too long, but if you can consistently feel them on your hands when handling the hams then I'd say they're too long. Same goes for if they're curling under the paw or anything.

You cut them with nail scissors/clippers, we have baby nail clippers for ours. And you either try to hold the ham still or put it in a sieve and try to get the claws through there. You cut off a very small amount and make sure you stay away from the quick (the blood vessel through the claw) if you can.

obscura · 02-08-2013, 01:44 PM

If you're like me and afraid to clip such tiny little nails, you could try getting a very sanitized rock or brick (anything with that kind of texture) and place it in your hamster's cage. Climbing on it will naturally grind the nails down! Just make sure that whatever you use, it is sanitized so you don't introduce anything to your hamsters that could be dangerous (like don't just go get a rock or brick outside and throw it in with your hamsters obviously haha).

Katie138 · 02-08-2013, 01:52 PM

Thank you both for your input, I think I will attempt the sieve first of all and see if i have the courage to do it! If I do accidentally cut too much off and it bleeds, what do I do?

Katie xx

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-08-2013, 01:55 PM

I think some have used stypic pencils on claws. I've only had to cut claws once (am a bit concerned my next few times are due soon though) and fortunately I did ok.

**DrKMcK** · 02-08-2013, 01:57 PM

You've got two very young hammys who are really tiny. One is only 6 weeks old. The best thing to do is to have a vet show you how to do this. Hamsters are notoriously quick, especially babies like yours, and if you cut the nail too short you can clip into the vein.

obscura · 02-08-2013, 01:57 PM

Styptic powder can be bought in any pet store. It's a little white powder which you dab on the tip of the nail to stop the bleeding. It's the same stuff they use on cats and dogs during nail trims!

I don't think it's TOTALLY necessary for a vet to do it or show how to do it. I handle my hamsters better than most vets in this area, sadly. LOL The important thing is to really have a good grip on them because they definitely ARE very fast (younger ones are especially jumpy) and you want to try really hard not to clip the quick. It will hurt and bleed. Nail clipping can already be stressful for them.

I have dwarfs, and having sand baths and rough textured obstacles in their environment seems to help keep their nails down enough to where it's never been a big issue.

Katie138 · 02-08-2013, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrKMcK

You've got two very young hammys who are really tiny. One is only 6 weeks old. The best thing to do is to have a vet show you how to do this. Hamsters are notoriously quick, especially babies like yours, and if you cut the nail too short you can clip into the vein.

That is from when we bought them,they are older than 6weeks

Katie xx

**kyrilliondaemon** · 02-08-2013, 02:00 PM

There's a video on this page of the Bobtail Hamstery that shows how to cut dwarf claws, might help a little bit.
How To - Bobtail Hamstery

Not all vets will be confident cutting hamster claws.

Katie138 · 02-08-2013, 02:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by obscura

Styptic powder can be bought in any pet store. It's a little white powder which you dab on the tip of the nail to stop the bleeding. It's the same stuff they use on cats and dogs during nail trims!

Thanks for this, I'll grab some next time I'm at our local store.

Katie xx