Need some help with cutting nails

[JBlock]

I had my hedge for a little over a month or so now (got him from a breeder) and he still isn't used to me. I really need to clip his nails but I can't get near him without him puffing in to a ball. Any tips and suggestions?

[sklock65]

It's no easy task...at first anyways! Here's the link to a recent thread (where I had included my "tricks") that have a handful of good responses as far as cutting nails.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=25233

Good luck!

[mtvkillsbraincells]

I cut Mumford's nails after a bath. He really calms down while in a bath and the warm water also makes his nails softer/easier to cut. When he's done, I wrap him in a blanket and dry him off a bit then hold him on my chest until he calms down. Then I hold him in my left hand on his back with my fingers & thumb slightly pulling the skin back by his front legs (this prevents him from balling up). Then do as quick of clips as I can without him freaking out. If I only get 1-2 nails, I consider it good. You can always try again later/next day.

For his back legs, I do the same but I don't grab his skin to pull back, I just keep him on his back until he unballs a bit and do quick clips again.

When I'm all done, I flip him back over, rub his back and feed him a couple extra mealies as a treat.

[Sarah_Stark]

I take Timber to the vet and for 10 bucks pay to have it done. I will pay 10 bucks to save myself the anxiety.

[alexvdl]

This is how Maggie does it. http://youtu.be/3e4DWfzRO9U

[Stellara]

As others have said, for a grumpy or nervous hedgehog a bath works wonders. I out of habit would do Stella's right after her bath as just being in the warm water will relax them. If need be though, you could use a very shallow amount of water and do the nails while hedgie was in it (being careful not to dunk him/her). Many vets use the water method to do the nails unless the hedgie is already under anesthesia for another medical testing reason.
I know there is an exotic pet store near here that used to do animals such as hedgehogs and sugar gliders, but I wasn't pleased when i watched how it was done so if you bring him/her I would definitely make sure they are okay with you "watching and learning" and know that they are knowledgeable about the exotics they are selling.

[Alyybear]

I do right after the bath, since the bath both calms Nim and makes his nails softer. Sometimes he will be calmer and hold still in a "towel burrito" and let me do his nails, but sometimes you just have to hold on and go for the ride

[Sonics1AndOnlyGirl]

I trim Sonic's nails after a bath and I put his back against my belly. He'll let me get a couple done and then start squirming. Luckily so far only his back nails have needed to be trimmed.