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The subject of intentional breeding or meat rabbits is prohibited. The answers provided on this board are for general guideline purposes only. The information is not intended to diagnose or treat your pet.  It is your responsibility to assess the information being given and seek professional advice/second opinion from your veterinarian and/or qualified behaviorist.

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Forum DIET & CARE Need help clipping rabbits nails

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    • New Blue
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        I’m currently having a problem with nail clipping my rabbit, she hates getting picked up, When I even try to touch her tummy, she will hop away. She lets me pet her there when she flops after stroking her head for a long time, But other than that I cant.

        I cant get someone to help me because she seems to only like me and thumps at other humans when they get close.

        I can take her to my rabbit savy vet to get them trimmed but Id also like to learn how to clip them myself. Is there anyone who knows how to deal with this issue?


      • RabbitPam
        Moderator
        11002 posts Send Private Message

          This is a very common issue with our bunnies, and because of that there have been many posts asking for advice on how to trim nails.
          I would urge you to first, check out the Info. section in the drop down menu from the banner above for excellent advice on all of the basics of bunny care, including nail trimming. Next, try a Forum Search for nail trims, and read many of the posts that will pop up. You will find advice on different techniques that will be helpful to you, depending on your bunny’s temperament.

          And there is no need to tickle your bunny’s sensitive tummy. I do NOT recommend trancing while holding a bunny on its back. While it can work for some experienced rabbit owners, the risks are too high when there are other ways to do it. Look for bunny burrito instructions, and my favorite technique: press press clip.


        • RabbitPam
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            P.S. The older posts are read-only. If you still don’t feel you found an answer, feel free to post again.


          • New Blue
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              Thanks for your response, I think using the bunny burrito technique will be be great but I cant seem to find a video on how to do it, a link to one would be great!


            • jerseygirl
              Moderator
              22338 posts Send Private Message

                This is a pretty thorough video on nail clipping and includes using the burrito technique.

                http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5trC8YgfWV8&sns=em

                If it is her dislike of being picked that is the main problem here is what I do for my lop that is like this.

                I place a box or basket down for him to hop into. I do sometimes need to hem him in so he has no option but to get in. He doesn’t like this either but it’s still less scary to him then being picked up. I then carry him in it to the top of the washing machine and he hops out. From here I am able to scoop him toward me and lift him. So he’s not coming all the way up from the ground to my chest. It’s just a very small lift and he copes with that much better. Once I have him secured in a hold he is usually pretty co-operative. Not happy, but not panicked either.


              • Elrohwen
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                7318 posts Send Private Message

                  I would take her to the vet and have them show you how to do it. I never found the videos online to be very helpful because all of the bunnies in the videos are so well behaved. lol

                  I took mine to the vet for years, but now I do it myself. My advice is to get a helper (doing it by yourself is going to be a big challenge) and try different positions and different locations. Most bunnies are more still in strange locations like the kitchen or the bathroom, up on the counter. One of mine is squirmy if left on the counter, but pretty good if somebody holds him. The other hates to be held, but is really good if we let her sit on the counter and then cover her lightly with a towel while holding her down gently. Different things work better for different bunnies, so don’t be afraid to try something new.


                • New Blue
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                    Thanks for your responses, I did manage to get her nails clipped using a towel to cover her then holding her properly. Only forgot to clip one nail but she seems to be upset after clipping, will she hold this grudge at me?


                  • jerseygirl
                    Moderator
                    22338 posts Send Private Message

                      Only for a little while.
                      Giving her a food treat will help. Also, interacting with her at floor level will help her come around. Once she realises you’re not going to pick her up this time.

                      Well done in getting it done. It can be a tricky business.


                    • Eucalyptus
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                        Definitely give treats! Imagine if you were going through all of that!

                        We usually chop up small bites of banana and feed a bite to Java after each paw is done. I think it helps. After I set him down when he’s finished, he runs off, but he immediately runs back to us. He’s very forgiving. But then again, it might be the plate of offerings for forgiveness (banana) that helps.


                      • New Blue
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                          Thanks Jersey and Eucalyptus, she has forgiven me shortly after her nail cliping. Shes coming to me for pets and is tooth purring again!

                           


                        • 0Louis0
                          27 posts Send Private Message

                            I was just about to make a topic to ask about that!
                            My bunny seems to freak out when I touch his legs or arms or tummy, for some reason
                            He also can’t be picked up, and so I can’t flip him on his back because I’d have to hold him
                            I have no idea what technique can I even try


                          • Jas
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                              Hello Everyone,
                              I also need help with the nail trimming. My bunny is only 2 months. I was told by the breeder that i should get her use to putting her on her back playing with her paws then putting her down and giving her a treat. I know that rabbits don’t like being on their backs, but it seems the only position she is semi ok with. Last night i tried the burrito and the retraining her with one arm method and she bit me for the first time. She was definitely struggling and scared so I understand the bite. She has been gentle ever since, but i don’t want to keep putting us both through the stress.
                              Please note when she is on her back she is definitely not tranced. I don’t think my bunny (Qiviut) can be tranced. Any suggestions for handling her in a way where she can’t struggle and will be as calm as possible would help. Qivi is a holland lop and very small.

                              For the biting, I was told that if the walking away doesn’t help you may have to GENTLY restrain her and hold her in a sitter position for a second and say no. Yes this is an abnormal position to the bunnies, and may cause a feeling of your bunny being a prey ( not good). This technique is not done a lot and only if you already have a connection with your bunny . Is this wrong?

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                          Forum DIET & CARE Need help clipping rabbits nails