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Old 07-18-2022, 11:56 AM   #1
bertieboo101
Newborn Pup
 
Join Date: Jul 2021
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
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Default Cutting nails

Hey there,
My Syrian Bertie is just over 2 years old and I’ve noticed a couple of his nails have grown too long. One in particular has curled and I’m not sure whether I should cut his nails? Is it safe to do so? Even though he’s over 2 he is still full of energy so I can’t imagine how I would do it lol! I’ve never had to with any other hamster before and the vet is too expensive. He seems fine though. Any advice would be great, thanks!
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Old 07-18-2022, 12:47 PM   #2
Ria P
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Default Re: Cutting nails

I'm in the same situation with my still very lively and wriggly 2 year old Syrian. I tried wrapping him in a flannel but couldn't keep him still for long enough.

I sometimes keep him waiting when he wants out of his cage so he chews the bars while i get a look at his teeth.
Then he gets annoyed and holds on to the bars which gives me the chance to snip a nail here and there.
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Old 07-18-2022, 01:36 PM   #3
bertieboo101
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Default Re: Cutting nails

Yeah it seems the only way. He doesn’t chew the bars but he takes food through them. Maybe I’ll squeeze something inbetween the bars and whilst he’s nibbling I might get some time to attempt it. So scared of hurting him!
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Old 07-18-2022, 01:39 PM   #4
Ria P
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Default Re: Cutting nails

Only snip the tip of the nail. I use nail clippers for babies.
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Old 07-18-2022, 01:43 PM   #5
Ria P
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Default Re: Cutting nails

Quote:
Originally Posted by bertieboo101 View Post
Yeah it seems the only way. He doesn’t chew the bars but he takes food through them. Maybe I’ll squeeze something inbetween the bars and whilst he’s nibbling I might get some time to attempt it. So scared of hurting him!
A monkey nut, small piece of cheese, a walnut half, that's what i use as well. My biggest problem is my eyesight so i bought magnifying glasses.
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Old 07-19-2022, 09:42 AM   #6
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Cutting nails

I do it when they're eating something tasty during out of cage time for example. Like a bit of porridge on a spoon. They seem to forget everything else and you can snip the odd nail without them noticing much while they're focused on eating. It can be slow progress over a few goes! but they can keep very still for long enough to snip the odd nail at the very tip. I use little nail scissors. Anything is fine - whatever you find easiest! There's also the grid/sieve option where you put them in/on something with a mesh floor - their nails pop through and you can snip them from underneath. I haven't tried that option.
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Old 07-19-2022, 12:06 PM   #7
bertieboo101
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Default Re: Cutting nails

Quote:
Originally Posted by Serendipity7000 View Post
I do it when they're eating something tasty during out of cage time for example. Like a bit of porridge on a spoon. They seem to forget everything else and you can snip the odd nail without them noticing much while they're focused on eating. It can be slow progress over a few goes! but they can keep very still for long enough to snip the odd nail at the very tip. I use little nail scissors. Anything is fine - whatever you find easiest! There's also the grid/sieve option where you put them in/on something with a mesh floor - their nails pop through and you can snip them from underneath. I haven't tried that option.
Yeah it looks like my best bet is food! I never thought of porridge though, that’s a good idea. I’ve also got little nail scissors too. Thanks for your help! I’ll be giving it a go tonight. Wish me luck lol
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Old 07-19-2022, 12:06 PM   #8
bertieboo101
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Location: Oxfordshire, UK
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Default Re: Cutting nails

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ria P View Post
A monkey nut, small piece of cheese, a walnut half, that's what i use as well. My biggest problem is my eyesight so i bought magnifying glasses.
Yeah good idea. Thanks so much for your help!
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Old 07-19-2022, 12:11 PM   #9
Pebbles82
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Default Re: Cutting nails

I have the same issue as Ria - my eyesight! I wore OH magnifying reading glasses on top of my own glasses!
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