Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Mark Hedberg — Sat, 24 Sep 2011 07:41:58 GMT

My boss tells a story back many years ago; apparently he was interviewing for his first job at a clinic. They showed him a cracked wall tile, where a small furry was etherized for a claw clip. Apparently a spark ignited the ether and basically FIRED the rat out of the mask into the wall, cracking the tile.

Don't know how true, but good story anyway.

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Jacquin Mitchell — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 22:04:36 GMT

[quote user="Neil Wheadon"]

I dealt for years with a lady who took these to shows and never had to give them a wiff of gas. Just grip them tight on the scruff so they look like the Joker from Batman and using a small pair of nail cutters, chop away. The secret is don't be afraid, open the lid and go for the scruff!!

See you in A&E

Neil

[/quote][quote user="Neil Wheadon"]

Job done today. Your advice was spot on. I actually used the corner of some baby nail clippers that I use on our rats as I felt I have good control over them. There was a bit of an eye popping moment but Hammy didn't seem to care and was remarkably unstressed when I popped him back in his cage.

Thank you.

See you in A&E

Neil

[/quote]

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Dagmar Steele — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:50:46 GMT

lol I must say I have been waiting for this one! I have trimmed numerous of these and its quite straight forward, I usually use a towel and hold the head from both sides like I'd do with a budgie. Then I use stitch cutter scissors and I never needed any sedation to do it. But Laurence is right, if they get you it's very hard to resist, my former boss lost the battle and Cuddles hit the wall, fortunately he was unharmed...

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Laurence Webb — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:26:23 GMT

If bitten try to resist the urge to flick the offending creature off your finger. Nothing like the sight of Cuddles flying across the room to make an impression on young minds

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Neil Wheadon — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:03:02 GMT

See you in A&E

Neil

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Jacquin Mitchell — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 21:33:35 GMT

Thanks everyone. At least it sounds like it can be done. Fingers crossed I don't get bitten in the process.

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Stephen Courtney — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:37:35 GMT

I use suture scissors to cut the nails. Some of these tiny hamsters are more handleable than others. If wriggley and or bitey ( most of them) then a whiff of gas may be essential. If the claws are not too long then don't do it! and whatever you do, do not undertake the task with an audience!

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Mark Rowland — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:18:48 GMT

If you use the dremmel pleae video it to be uploaded onto youtube!

If you anaesthetise it, pre oxygenate it

If you hold it make sure its eyes dont pop out or the children will have nightmares for weeks

Goodluck

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Marie Kubiak — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:19:30 GMT

I normally just do them conscious with small cat nail clippers or stitch cutter scissors. Wrapping them in a bit of paper towel helps if they are a bit bitey!

Re: Trimming a Dwarf Hamster's nails

Gerry Henry — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 17:54:16 GMT

Whiff of iso (careful!) and trim nails with curved, fine instrument scissors. Providing it doesn't croak you'll be the toast of the kindergarden.