[cutietexan]

okay, i have recently noticed that theos toenails are getting pretty long, so i think its about time for his very first nail trim! well, as a new hedgie owner, im actually pretty horrified as of now. just the thought of cutting too far makes me cringe. but i just need to know one think before i take on this new challenge. how do you know where the vein in the toenail is? i hear everyone talking abt how you can see it when their feet are clean and stuff, but im not exactly sure what it looks like or is or anything. please help, i dont want to hurt him!! and also any trimming tips would be appreciated, and i have already read the post on trimming.

thanks!!
sarah

 

[leannem]

It's actually called the quick. All animals have it. You can see where the nail looks more pink. As long as you are a few cm away you'll be fine. If you do happen to cut part of the quick then dip hedgies toe in some flour to stop the bleeding. I would suggest maybe only doing one foot to start. If hedgie seems fine then do them all but i think most people are successful doing one or two feet at a time.

 

[cutietexan]

oh okay so just the pinkish part closest to his body? i got it now. hopefully now i will have a better idea of what im doing. thanks!

 

[hedgielover]

I would suggest maybe only doing one foot to start. If hedgie seems fine then do them all but i think most people are successful doing one or two feet at a time.

I agree with that except that with some hedgehogs that really don't like getting nails clipped it can be a challenge just to do one toe. So yeah go slow and don't have any expectations of getting lots done at once. Also I would start with a back foot because I find the nails are easier to cut. Plus they are usually the long ones.

For difficult hedgehogs nail clipping can be a challenge. Successful strategies have been...
bribe them with meal worms or other favourite treat
do it in the bath tub so they cannot ball up
do it while they are anointing with something.
do it when they are tired/just waking up.

Hopefully your hedgehog will not be difficult some are really well behaved about it. Good luck.

 

[LizardGirl]

As long as you are a few cm away you'll be fine.

Hehehe, I have never seen hedgehog nails, even the worst ones several centimeters long. :lol:

Texan, while I'm sure it would be no fun for either of you, don't feel too bad if you accidently cut the quick. It happens. Where you can see the pink inside the nail, trim a little bit longer than that.

 

[Herisson]

1. Foot rub.
2. File nails.
3. Nap.

[attachment=1:2ky3u6qg]nails.JPG[/attachment:2ky3u6qg]

 

[scorpiesue]

...when i trim my hedgies nails i have found it is much easier to do it in a window with natural sunlight...this way i can easily see where the nail ends need to be trimmed ( the color of the nail is different)...as well, i notice it's the back ones that need trimming more regularly

...my little girl seems to like having her nails done and watches with intrest when i do ...weird huh ?

ps. i just love the pics you posted Herisson ...she looks like Sleeping Beauty

 

[LarryT]

Herisson is mama's boy for sure :lol: so cute wish my hedgies were so ready to get a pedicure

 

[smhufflepuff]

Herisson... WOW! My mind has been blown.

 

[Herisson]

Herisson is a male diva! :mrgreen: