I know I know there's a whole bunch of topics about nail trimming but I just cannot figure out how to do it. I've tried wrapping them up like a burrito, they squirmed right out, I've tried taking a foot out of the pouch that didn't work, they follow each other around because they love each other oh so much. I've tried handing them a treat and grabbing a foot and I got so close to actually getting the one nail cut and she pulled away as soon as I pressed down on the clipper. Scared me half to death. I've even tried clipping their nails when it sticks through the mesh. Is there some other way that is a tad simpler? (I know it's not a simple process) thanks for any suggestions.

I just trimmed over 50 gliders nails today. I take a foot out, hand onto it tightly and then use your forearm to hold the pouch shut. Don't be afraid to smush it down good, you don't want them sneaking their mouth our for a bite.

I use my thumb in the palm of their hand if I need to open up their hand, trim the nail tips and go on and repeat for each food.

Have you tried letting the vet do and observe? My first experience wasn't too great, but I did see first hand exactly what/ how much pressure it takes to hold their feet.

After two years of doing it myself I've learned their body language and know when to hold on extra tight to their feet.

I have one that has figured if she co operates, it's done quicker, the other one just doesn't get it. Also I do their nails about 1- 2pm in the afternoon. They seem to be the sleepiest.

It takes time and practice unfortunately.

Feather (Kim), do you worry about hurting them at all if they start to twist and squirm while you are trying to trim the nails? That is always my worry and why it takes me so long to do just 4 gliders nails. Just wondering as I don't want to break a leg or anything while doing this.

Thanks,
PHil

Actually the way I do it they don't tend to squirm as I am pressing their head down a bit too.

I think of it as not as much pressure as a mammogram but a mammogram with the little hand sticking out.

Thanks for the advice! I appreciate it.

Feather, I wonder if holding in that manner calms them down?

I am gonna try that.

Dawn,

If you have a joey and it is upset, if you cup your hands around it and apply a little pressure they calm down. Kind of like being snug in their momma's pouch.

Alright so we had the vet cut the girls' nails. They just took them right on back and said they'll be back. Took not even ten minutes. I was impressed. I thought wow this is great! Got them home, put them back in their cage, they were wide awake. As I was watching them I noticed that it looks like the vet had cut their grooming nails... Is that ok or is that a super bad thing? Something tells me those aren't supposed to be cut.

They can be cut if they're getting too long, but they don't usually need to be cut.

Ok thank you! So they will grow back. I appreciate your help.

I trim their grooming nails several times a year, specially if I notice them looking a little scruffy.