Post by Lilith on Mar 2, 2017 17:47:14 GMT
Lilith's Loops guide to
Nail Clipping
Nail Clipping
One of the most intimidating parts of owning a hedgehog is clipping their nails. Many new owners and experienced owners alike struggle with this part, no matter how many times it has been done. Picture a tiny creature able to pull its feet into a protective casing that can cause you physical harm. That is a hedgehog.
The problem is that nail clipping is an absolute requirement. Some hedgehogs manage to groom their claws all on their own, but most require assistance. If you do not clip your hedgehogs claws you are putting them at elevated risk of injury. Not only will their claws continue to grow, but they can be torn during wheel time or burrowing into fleece.
There are some tricks to make your experience go smoother, and many different methods that can aide you in your nail clipping endeavours. Below you will find a handy guide that should aide you on where and how to clip their nails.
For more stubborn hedgehogs, nail clipping can be a huge struggle. Below you will find several techniques that other owners and breeders have found to be useful.
The bathtub clipping
One of the most common places to attempt a nail clipping is during bath time. Not only does this soften the nail and make it easier to clip through, it also doubles as a means of getting your spiky friend to use the bathroom before you begin.
The most common technique for bathtub clipping is using the side of your tub to your advantage. Scoop your hedgehog into your hands firmly and use the edge of the tub as a pin point. If this is done correctly you can dangle their paws between your fingers to give a more sturdy grip.
The knitted cloth clipping
Knitted cloths work fantastic as a means of immobilizing your squirming pet. You can often find them at farmers markets, or if you happen to be a handy person you can make your own. They should look something like this:
Remember a looser knit will serve you well. You do not want to hurt your hedgehog, so opt for ones that have visible holes on them. Once you obtain your cloth you can use the holes to your advantage. Slip your hedgehogs feet through the holes and use the remainder of the fabric as a means of immobilising your pet. This should help keep your hedgehogs paws visible while simultaneously preventing your hands from being spiked.
The scruffed clipping
Scruffing is when you grab an animal by the scruff of its neck. It is important to remember your pet will not be hurt by this. Scruffing is entirely natural and is used by parent animals to carry their young. This usually causes the animal to relax and go fairly limp. Although scruffing is an option I would try the other suggestions first. Even though it does not hurt them, your hedgehog may be a little upset with you. For more difficult hedgehogs, scruffing may be one of the only ways to successfully clip nails.
The vet clipping
If all else fails, you can usually bring your hedgehog to a vet clinic where they will clip claws for a small fee. Keep in mind that your vet may have to put your hedgehog under for the procedure depending on how difficult they may be.
The problem is that nail clipping is an absolute requirement. Some hedgehogs manage to groom their claws all on their own, but most require assistance. If you do not clip your hedgehogs claws you are putting them at elevated risk of injury. Not only will their claws continue to grow, but they can be torn during wheel time or burrowing into fleece.
There are some tricks to make your experience go smoother, and many different methods that can aide you in your nail clipping endeavours. Below you will find a handy guide that should aide you on where and how to clip their nails.
For more stubborn hedgehogs, nail clipping can be a huge struggle. Below you will find several techniques that other owners and breeders have found to be useful.
The bathtub clipping
One of the most common places to attempt a nail clipping is during bath time. Not only does this soften the nail and make it easier to clip through, it also doubles as a means of getting your spiky friend to use the bathroom before you begin.
The most common technique for bathtub clipping is using the side of your tub to your advantage. Scoop your hedgehog into your hands firmly and use the edge of the tub as a pin point. If this is done correctly you can dangle their paws between your fingers to give a more sturdy grip.
The knitted cloth clipping
Knitted cloths work fantastic as a means of immobilizing your squirming pet. You can often find them at farmers markets, or if you happen to be a handy person you can make your own. They should look something like this:
Remember a looser knit will serve you well. You do not want to hurt your hedgehog, so opt for ones that have visible holes on them. Once you obtain your cloth you can use the holes to your advantage. Slip your hedgehogs feet through the holes and use the remainder of the fabric as a means of immobilising your pet. This should help keep your hedgehogs paws visible while simultaneously preventing your hands from being spiked.
The scruffed clipping
Scruffing is when you grab an animal by the scruff of its neck. It is important to remember your pet will not be hurt by this. Scruffing is entirely natural and is used by parent animals to carry their young. This usually causes the animal to relax and go fairly limp. Although scruffing is an option I would try the other suggestions first. Even though it does not hurt them, your hedgehog may be a little upset with you. For more difficult hedgehogs, scruffing may be one of the only ways to successfully clip nails.
The vet clipping
If all else fails, you can usually bring your hedgehog to a vet clinic where they will clip claws for a small fee. Keep in mind that your vet may have to put your hedgehog under for the procedure depending on how difficult they may be.
Last edit: 02/02/17
Made by Time Lapse of Adoxgraphy.
