Cut nails of shy rabbit

[barryshane92]

My rabbit does not like to be held, and i struggle to try and hold him so i can cut his nails, i have watched loads of youtube videos on how to cut nails, but when i try to hold him to place between my legs, he jumps out of my hands!!!
any suggestions? i much rather not bring him to a vet as it will become rather costly!
Thanks :biggrin:

 

[LakeCondo]

I'd pay & observe or try another method, like the wrapping one.

 

[ZRabbits]

I started my bunnies by flipping them, then calming them down by rubbing between their ears. Then I start to touch their paws. After a bit, I flip them over and give them a treat. I did this every day, until they felt relaxed. Then I started to clip nails. I didn't do all of them at once, but would do a couple at a time. Then up they went and a treat.

I've done this with Dobby since I got him at 7 weeks old. He is one year now, will lay on his back in my lap, completely relaxed and I can now do all his nails at once. He still doesn't like it but we get through it. And after, his favorite treat... Cheerios.

I didn't want to spend $12 a pop for manicures for my buns. So I worked every day until I can do it myself.

I did have help at the beginning. My husband would talk to them while I worked. If you can someone to help you with the bunny, that also will help you from spending money on a bunny manicure.

Hope this helps.

K

 

[Nancy McClelland]

We tag team--one of us holds and one of us clips. It's quick and easy, if you can get some help, that is.

 

[barryshane92]

Thanks for the advice everyone!!! ill try flipping him and giving him treats first! if that doesnt work ill try 2 people!
if not pay and observe in person! i tried wrapping him but he manages to get out! i dont fink i do it tight enough! i feel abit scared id hurt him

Im planning on getting fencing so he can be on patio a good bit and hope he can wear his nails down that way!!

how often do you cut there nails?? i had a look and didnt seem very long! just little clip and would be fairly near there vein.

 

[ZRabbits]

barryshane92 wrote:

Thanks for the advice everyone!!! ill try flipping him and giving him treats first! if that doesnt work ill try 2 people!
if not pay and observe in person! i tried wrapping him but he manages to get out! i dont fink i do it tight enough! i feel abit scared id hurt him

Im planning on getting fencing so he can be on patio a good bit and hope he can wear his nails down that way!!

how often do you cut there nails?? i had a look and didnt seem very long! just little clip and would be fairly near there vein.

I tried that burrito thing with mine and they just freaked. They don't like to really be confined.

I check nails once a week. I know it's a lot but I only snip off a little at a time. It keeps me from cutting too much, and it keeps the bunny relaxed by the repetition.

Like your idea with the fencing on the patio, I'm hoping their runs in the bunny garden help too. We have nice flat rocks they like to dig, plus holes in the dirt too.

K

 

[SweetPeasMom]

I was scared/nervous and my Bun knew this every time I went to place her on her back; so to make her happy I take her to a pet store that does it and it cost 7 dollars.

she is calm and so am I :bunnyangel2:

 

[Sweetie]

The first time I was going to clip Sweetie's nails, I had the vet do it and he clipped her nails for free. I watched as he was clipping them so that I could do myself at home, plus he let me try. I did clip the quick while at the vet office, but never clipped it again. It does take practice.

When I clip Pudden's nails, I have to talk to him and reassure him that I am not hurting him, that his feet/nails will feel much better once I am done. I cuddled him during and after clipping his nails.

 

[Blue eyes]

I just came on the forum to ask the same question. I have had many rabbits but have never had a problem like this. One of my 2 new buns absolutely despises being picked up at all. She struggles like mad, even if I try the "on the back" pose while I'm sitting on the floor. (she loves petting, but not being held)

I've only had these bunniesabout 2 1/2months and they are due for a clipping. I just tried with a towel on my spitfire, Sapphire, and now she is royally mad at me. I know how to clip, just not with this bunny. I don't think I can wait for weeks while I coax her into compliance -- she's long overdue for that clipping.

Any otherideas?

 

[ZRabbits]

Blue eyes wrote:

I just came on the forum to ask the same question. I have had many rabbits but have never had a problem like this. One of my 2 new buns absolutely despises being picked up at all. She struggles like mad, even if I try the "on the back" pose while I'm sitting on the floor. (she loves petting, but not being held)

I've only had these bunniesabout 2 1/2months and they are due for a clipping. I just tried with a towel on my spitfire, Sapphire, and now she is royally mad at me. I know how to clip, just not with this bunny. I don't think I can wait for weeks while I coax her into compliance -- she's long overdue for that clipping.

Any otherideas?

Ask someone to hold her while you clip. That was the easiest way I could get my Dobby's nails done the first time. He was the same age as your Sapphire.

Eventually after lots of practice, Dobby at 1 year old will lie on his back, completely relaxed as I clip his nails.

Hope this helps.

K

 

[Blue eyes]

Thanks, I'll try that. (They were actually just over 1 yr old when I got them from a rescue. I've only had them for the 2 1/2 months. )

I think I'll have to wait a couple days since I know she's not happy with me right now

 

[ZRabbits]

Blue eyes wrote:

Thanks, I'll try that. (They were actually just over 1 yr old when I got them from a rescue. I've only had them for the 2 1/2 months. )

I think I'll have to wait a couple days since I know she's not happy with me right now

It's tough not knowing your bunny and trying to bond. With a little one, it's kind of easy. No baggage per say. You start with a fresh slate. But with the older ones, marks on that slate, some good, some unfortunately bad and you have no idea what those marks, good or bad, are.

But Willard, aka "Bunny Bear" showed me how to bond with a bunny with a marked slate. I gave him his space, did the same things as I did with the youngins, taught him my "bunny manners". But I watch for his clues how to approach doing that.

Example: He hated being picked up in his crate. I can come in from the top with his crate to pick him up. He used to run, with lots of thumps. And then try to hide. I would gentle herd him to his litter box. I could then pick him up. I got lots of grunts because he was mad. But eventually by doing this way every time, he finally understood. I got him to understand "bunny manners".

Bunny Bear has been with us for 8 months now. It took me a while, but he's a very well mannered, sweet, funny bunny. That slate is wiped clean.

I still have no clue of his past, but I do know, someone really missed the boat on this one.

Sorry long winded, truly hope this helps.

K

It takes time and patience, but you can