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03/13/2009 11:13:02 AM · #1 |
My Russian Dwarf hamster Mischa's front paw claws are growing really long all of a sudden. They're not at curling point yet but I reckon they'll go that way pretty soon. She's not been eating much this week and I think it's because she's having trouble holding her food with her long nails, she's not been on her wheel much either. I think the length of them may be causing her some discomfort.
She's so little and squirmy that holding her tightly to try and snip them myself would be a nightmare, she'd bite like mad and I don't think I could hold onto her. It took me long enough as it is to get her to trust being in my hands without nipping me, I don't want her to revert and start thinking my hands aren't a safe place to be. I don't want her little feet hurting though, does anyone have any experience of this and what I can do for her?
Message edited by author 2009-03-13 11:13:30. |
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03/13/2009 11:22:00 AM · #2 |
I know that for birds the usually recommend using a warm towel. If it is nervous of being held, just do one at a time. If it has taken a while for her to grow out her nails, you could probably get away with just clipping one a day. Be gentle and soothing. You might benefit from getting someone to help.
You could even try getting her used to the towel just by holding her in the towel a few times without any clipping, then gradually working to a gentle massage of the feet to get her used to handling the feet.
Also, no need to clip them all the way back.
You might also try to include a rough rock for her to climb around on in her cage. Make sure it's stable.
Message edited by author 2009-03-13 11:24:02. |
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03/13/2009 11:28:17 AM · #3 |
| The rock idea is a good one and works pretty well, we have used a rough paving block in the cage to slowly shorten the claws without any major stress. As they run over it they wear down a little (though it does take time), and with a flat slab (brick size) you may be able to rest it at an angle on the inside of the cage so that she can climb it, this may also speed up the process if she enjoys playing on it! |
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03/13/2009 03:21:13 PM · #4 |
Originally posted by Anders:
The rock idea is a good one and works pretty well, we have used a rough paving block in the cage to slowly shorten the claws without any major stress. As they run over it they wear down a little (though it does take time), and with a flat slab (brick size) you may be able to rest it at an angle on the inside of the cage so that she can climb it, this may also speed up the process if she enjoys playing on it! |
Maybe you could put the water bottle and/or food at the top of a shallow concrete ramp ... |
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03/13/2009 03:59:20 PM · #5 |
I`m sure a vet wouldn`t charge much for a trim. My kids have a couple of these Russian hamsters and i wouldn`t fancy trimming them myself.
Then you could line the inside of the running wheel with sandpaper :) |
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03/13/2009 04:14:17 PM · #6 |
Originally posted by marbo:
I`m sure a vet wouldn`t charge much for a trim. My kids have a couple of these Russian hamsters and i wouldn`t fancy trimming them myself.
Then you could line the inside of the running wheel with sandpaper :) |
I was going to suggest the same thing. Just take the poor little gal to the vet rather than let her be uncomfortable even one day longer. Once she's all trimmed up and happy you can implement something in her cage that will help to keep them trimmed down like others are suggesting. |
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03/13/2009 06:45:12 PM · #7 |
| go to the hardware store and buy some 420 grit or finer sand paper and line the inside of the wheel with it. |
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03/13/2009 06:50:56 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by Bugzeye:
go to the hardware store and buy some 420 grit or finer sand paper and line the inside of the wheel with it. |
Then if you hook it up to a small dynamo you may be able to recharge your cell phone ... ;-) |
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