how to cut a rabbits nails

[chickenmama109]

hi I have a rabbit that is getting long nails how do you cut them. and also she will not let me pick her up so I'm not sure if she will let me cut here nails so where could I get her nails cut would a dog groomer do that

 

[cassie]

hi I have a rabbit that is getting long nails how do you cut them. and also she will not let me pick her up so I'm not sure if she will let me cut here nails so where could I get her nails cut would a dog groomer do that

She won't let you pick her up?? She won't let you clip her nails? Who asked her? You grab her by the scruff of the neck, put her on her back and clip away. Get some of those clippers made for cats and dogs. If she pitches a fit, wrap her tightly in a towel like you do uncooperative cats. In other words, make a bunny burrito. That will restrain her and make things safer for both of you.

 

[Bunnylady]

I prefer this type of clippers:

They are usually sold as cat or bird claw clippers. Because of their small jaws, you can really get a good look at what you are doing.

Most rabbits do not like to be picked up, but you know what? Sometimes, they just have to put up with it anyway.

When I clip claws, I sit down, and lay the rabbit on its back on my lap. If you and your rabbit can't quite get there, you can have one person hold and restrain the rabbit, and another person clip the claws. You want to be sure that you stay outside of the red/pink area on the claw; there are nerves and blood vessels there so cutting there will hurt and bleed a lot. If the claws are colored so dark that you have trouble seeing where that is, try to hold the paw up to a bright light so you can 'candle' it, and maybe see through it. If you still can't see anything, go no further back than the place where the claw really starts to curve and taper - better to leave it a little bit long than to traumatize both the rabbit and you!

Another hint - I always do the back feet first. That way, if the rabbit goes ballistic and starts kicking like crazy (which they may do without warning), at least they aren't as well armed when they try to lacerate me! The dewclaws on the fronts seem to be the trickiest, and the ones most likely to trigger the kick response. Be patient; if you feel yourself losing it after only getting a couple done, call it good enough and try again later, when both you and the rabbit can be calmer. The most important part here is that nobody (and nobunny!) gets hurt!

 

[chickenmama109]

I prefer this type of clippers:

They are usually sold as cat or bird claw clippers. Because of their small jaws, you can really get a good look at what you are doing.

Most rabbits do not like to be picked up, but you know what? Sometimes, they just have to put up with it anyway.

When I clip claws, I sit down, and lay the rabbit on its back on my lap. If you and your rabbit can't quite get there, you can have one person hold and restrain the rabbit, and another person clip the claws. You want to be sure that you stay outside of the red/pink area on the claw; there are nerves and blood vessels there so cutting there will hurt and bleed a lot. If the claws are colored so dark that you have trouble seeing where that is, try to hold the paw up to a bright light so you can 'candle' it, and maybe see through it. If you still can't see anything, go no further back than the place where the claw really starts to curve and taper - better to leave it a little bit long than to traumatize both the rabbit and you!

Another hint - I always do the back feet first. That way, if the rabbit goes ballistic and starts kicking like crazy (which they may do without warning), at least they aren't as well armed when they try to lacerate me! The dewclaws on the fronts seem to be the trickiest, and the ones most likely to trigger the kick response. Be patient; if you feel yourself losing it after only getting a couple done, call it good enough and try again later, when both you and the rabbit can be calmer. The most important part here is that nobody (and nobunny!) gets hurt!

Thanks

 

[chickenmama109]

She won't let you pick her up?? She won't let you clip her nails? Who asked her? You grab her by the scruff of the neck, put her on her back and clip away. Get some of those clippers made for cats and dogs. If she pitches a fit, wrap her tightly in a towel like you do uncooperative cats. In other words, make a bunny burrito. That will restrain her and make things safer for both of you.

Your really not supposed to pick them up by the neck . But thanks so much for the info I appreciate it

 

[Polish Hen House]

The vet will most likely be the only place that will cut your rabbit’s nails. I always bribe my rabbit with treats to cut his nails. Also I have help. Someone holds the rabbit and feeds/distracts him while I trim his nails.