Nails

[Saravp]

I am currently pet sitting a rabbit, and have noticed that his nails are hugely overgrown (maybe an inch long from the bed) I've cut them using the nail clippers we had for our ferret but im worried that the owners wont keep them short. Is there anything i can maybe put in his hutch that will wear them down? Then again he doesnt seem to move much when he's in there. I dont know much about rabbits so any help would be appreciated.

 

[JBun]

Maybe a stone tile. Though it's not likely to make much difference since it's just a small space. Having the whole flooring like this would help some, but it's usually a problem long term as it could cause sore hocks to develop. Only other thing is the rabbit living in a natural environment where they dig and hop on dirt every day, wearing the nails naturally.

Otherwise it's necessary to do regular nail trims, or if it's not done this can start to affect how a rabbit hops, shifting their weight to the back heel as the nails get too long, which could then result in the development of sore hocks.

If you're able to mention to the owner that you were able to get the nails trimmed, maybe you could pass along where they can find info on how to trim their rabbits nails if they don't know how to already (or show them how to yourself, if you're comfortable doing that). Or the number of a local rabbit vet that could do it if they aren't comfortable doing it themselves.

(Info and videos on how to trim nails)
https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Grooming

I don't know how up to date this list is, but there are a few rabbit vets listed in your area.

https://www.rabbitvet.net/AustralianRabbitVets.htm

 

[Nancy McClelland]

Not really much you can do to emulate the wear they would get in nature--maybe show the owner how to cut them and remind them that is every month with a house rabbit.