Cutting nails

[bertieboo101]

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!

[Ria P]

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.

[bertieboo101]

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!

[Ria P]

Only snip the tip of the nail. I use nail clippers for babies.

[Ria P]

Originally Posted by bertieboo101

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.

[Pebbles82]

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.

[bertieboo101]

Originally Posted by Serendipity7000

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

[bertieboo101]

Originally Posted by Ria P

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!

[Pebbles82]

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