Old Hamster with Long Nails

stan · 03-19-2021, 05:12 PM

Hello, looking for a bit of advice. My Syrian has historically always had short nails, he's now 2 years 3 months, and his nails on the front paws have gotten long and curly. He's always been a shy and skittish hamster, and given his age and the stress of a vet visit I am wondering whether it is best to take him to the vets to have them clipped or to leave him. They've gotten so long partly because of this dilemma. They are at the point where I want to get them clipped so he is comfortable, but still concerned it might be a bit too stressful for him.

He looks otherwise quite healthy.

LunaTheHamster1 · 03-19-2021, 05:29 PM

This happened with my older less active hamsters too, I had the vet clip them a few times when they were for other ailments, I have also done it myself but if your hamster is skittish it might be best for a vet.
I personally think him being comfortable out weighs any stress of a vets visit, and to be honest I don't think hamsters find it as stressful as we think it will be for them. Hope that helps.

Ria P · 03-20-2021, 12:54 AM

I agree with Luna and also believe that a vet visit is not as stressful for a hamster as people think.

The only way i can trim a hamster's nails, even just one at a time, clean a scent gland, check teeth etc is by swaddling them in a towel.
I've tried scissors from the pet shop which were no good but very small clippers like the ones used for babies do the job.

stan · 03-20-2021, 02:45 AM

He's booked in. It's hard to tell if he's just grumpy or scared, but he's been a squawker since he was first brought home. He does it as soon as he's in carry case and in the car continually, and when anyone new handles him (inside the house or outside).

Amethyst_ice · 03-20-2021, 05:06 PM

I recently found a better suggestion than the way I was cutting my elderly hamsters nalils. I had him on some mesh and stuck a carrot up through so while he was munching i could snip the tips from under. I found a video by our own Vectis hams where she uses a bird feeder. Much better and wish I had thought about it!

How to Trim Hamster Nails: the Mesh Method - YouTube

Good luck at the vets