Cutting nails is IMPOSSIABLE!

[catandratluver]

The girl's nails are getting long. I couldn't find a nail clipper for rats, so I got a ferret clipper insted. I give them a treat, them attempt to clip their nails. They either move their feet so much clipping is not possible, or they squeal, which is so pitaful.  What do I do to clip their nails?

Any tips?

[ShadowWolf]

I actually use a pair of baby nail clippers from Safety First.  They're perfect to hold even with a squirming rat.  If you can enlist the help of a friend, that may make it easier on you.  Otherwise, they'll act indiginant until it's all clipped and then be happy 20 minutes later.   

[catandratluver]

Thanks a bunch!


Anymore tips?

[nancycccslp]

Can't stress enough; don't bother with animal nail clippers.  TOOOOOOO big for ratties!
Oh, and glove your non-dominant hand.  You will keep a better grip if you're not being raked by nails!
It's always bad. No matter what you do.

[Sapphire_Rats]

I wouldn't suggest gloves as you can't tell how tightly your holding the rattie!


I put them on a towl, fold the towl over their heads (so it is folded like a piece of paper) then fold one "flap" over the rattie and kind of roll the rattie into a rattie burrito, pull out a foot, clip, pull out the other one, clip. Usually the front feet does not need clipping.

[Bratratbeds]

the best tip I can give you is make it a 2 person job.  The Virus and I do the girls but Rat-O-Thunder is usless as he doesnt "want to hurt them" by holding them tight enough.  I use reg. small nail clippers.  Just be careful to not cut the quick.

[aphoeniceus]

I got sick of trying to cut their nails.  So, I just put a brick under their water bottle so they are forced to stand on the brick to drink.  This trims their nails pretty good, without the stress on you and them to restrain them and try to clip the nails.  I got tired of getting all beat up 

[Bratratbeds]

that didn't work for me   it seemed to just make their little nail sharper so that they REALLY dug into the skin LOL!

[texasbanjo]

Another member gave me the idea a while ago to use a nail file.  You don't have to worry so much about cutting too close or getting a toe!  It takes a little longer but may be worth trying.

[Auntie Crazy]

I have a large rock that's flat on one side and a smooth half-oval on the other, with a surface like sandpaper. It's strange-looking - for a rock - but wonderful for trimming nails. I put it on the lowest level (the litter box) just in front of the first balcony and the rats use it to get to and from that level. It works especially good on their back nails.

I am too paranoid about over-clipping their nails to trim them by myself, and my daughter is too paranoid about "squishing" them to help me, so this works great for us. 

[catandratluver]

These are excellent suggestions! Thanks SO much!!!

[angelratgirl]

folding nail clippers for humans work way better than any "animal" nail scissors. altho i have actually stopped clipping my girls' nails since i really don't even notice the scratchies.

when i did clip nails i would always talk to them. talk talk talk. it took thier minds off of me holding their hands for the clips. also i would do it in little sessions. clip clip...  let them walk a bit... clip clip... etc.

i do have a granite slab in their cage for them to walk/sleep on. (it is also a great way to keep them cool in the summer. throw it in the freezer and it keeps cool for hours)

[NancyO]

I do have to say that clipping my ratties nails is far easier than my guinea pigs.  Those pigs act like I am murdering them LOLOL.  I too, use a pair of baby nail clippers.  Works great.

Nancy

[Liberalis]

I'm to scared to even try.

[catandratluver]

Will it harm them not to clip till I feel scraches?

[Bratratbeds]

They may end up scratching themselves as they scratch an itch but usually you'll feel those little pinpricks of long nails and want to do something about it real soon LOL

[Sunilata]

Ferret nail clippers are...ugh. The ones I have don't even let me see what I'm doing! I broke down and bought a pair of human baby nail clippers, and that's how I clip Riley's nails. The rats I don't even attempt. Clipping fifteen squirmy girls' nails is not high on my "want to do" list.

[Bratratbeds]

The rats I don't even attempt. Clipping fifteen squirmy girls' nails is not high on my "want to do" list.

Wellll you could look at it this way its only clipping and not a full manicure with fire engine red nail polish