Nail trimming

nicolekline97 · Jun 9, 2020

I trimmed my rabbit's nails once but it took a few tries. I wasn't sure if I was taking too little and worried of taking too much. I ended up finding a mobile groomer who would come trim Lucy's nails. I may try to do it myself or I may have her come back again. It was nice to see what the right amount is. How often should their nails be trimmed?

Remy The Rabbit · Jun 9, 2020

I'd say 3-4 weeks. It depends though, if you can hear your rabbit's nails clacking on the floor, check them and see if they have grown too much.

I have my friend help me because my bunny hates having his nails trimmed, but if you are able to do it yourself, then that's great! If you prefer a groomer, that's also fine.

Here's a link - Nail Clipping.

Best wishes ~
Remy

Mehidk · Jun 9, 2020

I trim Trixie's every 6-8 weeks because her nails take longer to grow. There's technically no right or wrong amount - if the nails are longer, you'll have to trim more, shorter - trim less. Just remember when you trim, be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail). If you do, bleeding will occur and you will need either styptic powder or flour to stop the bleeding. Imagine if you were cutting your own nail and you cut past the nail and into your skin - same concept.

If your rabbit's nails are darker use a small flashlight to look through the nail. I use the pens that have a flashlight at the end of it.

Blue eyes · Jun 9, 2020

Not only do some rabbits' nails grow faster or slower, it also depends on their environment and habits. A rabbit on concrete or rougher textures may file them down by hopping about. The more active they are on a rough surface, the more would be filed.

If using a flashlight on dark nails seems too difficult to do (between holding bunny and holding clippers) then you can do the "press, press" technique that is described in the video included with @Remy The Rabbit 's link. (I love that video and refer to it often.) That "press, press" allows the bunny himself to let you know if you're about to cut too short. Works like magic.

Remy The Rabbit · Jun 9, 2020

You use that video too? Cool! Although, Remy never lets me clip his nails without a struggle anyways, hahaha

nicolekline97 · Jun 9, 2020

Mehidk said:
I trim Trixie's every 6-8 weeks because her nails take longer to grow. There's technically no right or wrong amount - if the nails are longer, you'll have to trim more, shorter - trim less. Just remember when you trim, be careful not to cut the quick (the pink part inside the nail). If you do, bleeding will occur and you will need either styptic powder or flour to stop the bleeding. Imagine if you were cutting your own nail and you cut past the nail and into your skin - same concept.

If your rabbit's nails are darker use a small flashlight to look through the nail. I use the pens that have a flashlight at the end of it.

My rabbit's nails are very dark. Thank you for the tip.