Nails

[Guest norseman]

noticed my hob's nails to have blood on them on each foot, he doesn't seem to be in pain and the jills nails are fine too. but his pads are a bit reddish . do many people here clip their ferrets nails? I know the jill keeps hers short.

 

never seen this before, his nails are slightly long but they haven't been a problem before,.

 

so if anyone can shed light on the subject I would be grateful.

[Joe67 239]

i cut mines every so often when needed

[patterdalejoel 669]

has he been scratching at the wire

[The one 8,500]

Is he a albino ? you will see the blood in the veins easier if he is rather than in a coloured nail ,

[GreyRake 108]

Yes defiantly cut the nails, more so when not working and not using the nails. Especially the front paws which grow faster - for digging. I check/cut mine at least once a month. The reason for doing it is the nails will eventually grow so long and curl down below the feet, so as they put the foot down the nails land first and push up against the toes as the foot lands.

 

If you look close you will see a darker/reddish part inside the nail - this delivers the blood and you don't want to cut into it, or it will bleed, it's called the 'quick' or something. But cut a little in front of it. Putting some oil or paste (some kind of treat) rubbed into their chest will keep them busy as you trim them down with ease is the way to go. Otherwise get someone else to hold them.

[coneykenny 98]

get them cut mate,safety first .dab a wee bit of veg oil on his belly and sit him down on your lap. he'll be that busy lickin the oil you'll have him done in no time and no fuss . he won't even know youve done the job.

[Guest norseman]

_{what do you lads use to cut the nails, will ordinary nail clippers do the job? naw he's not albino the one hes polecat in colour. but def bloody nails. the ferrets are kept at my brothers house while we move so my bro wouldn't be as observant unfortunately. they get let out in the garden so god knows how it happened.}

 

_{thanks again lads}

_{been a big help}

[Joe67 239]

something like http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mikki-Nail-Claw-Clippers-Nail-Trimmers-for-Cat-Dog-Bird-Pet-in-Small-Large-/171057886825?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Dogs&var=&hash=item27d3d83669

 

 

 

 

search ebay first, will find a cheaper set

[Stretch177 39]

I just use nail clippers mate, take a bit off at a time so you don't cut into the wick

[GreyRake 108]

Normal pet clippers would do yeah. I use wire snips, only sharp though otherwise they crush rather than clean cut and can hurt them in them process. Shouldn't matter about them being albino, I've never not been able to see what's inside the nail yet.

[Bosun11 537]

All ferrets nails need a trim now and again, especially during the summer. Most sharp clippers could do but I'd always recommend a good quality pet nail trimmer, like has been said, the object is to snip, never crush.

 

On dark nails only take the tips off, because if you cant see the 'quick', the vein that runs down a nail and snip through, you are gonna cause pain and bleeding. In lighter animals you may see, the quick and your ok but always lend yourself to caution if you can't..!

 

One thing I always did with my ferrets housing is put a piece of flag (concrete flagstone) in, either in front of the sleeping quarters or somewhere along the front wire, (if you have ferrets that are forever racing up and down when they see you). Either or both will see your animals constantly cross this concrete and you will get the nails constantly filed down to an acceptable level.

There may be better materials you could use but a bit of broken flag worked for me. This method saves frequent clipping of nails and is more natural, though they still may need to be done once in a while.

[Guest norseman]

panic over, the hob toppled over a jar of thinners with a brush in it, and yes it was red paint he got on to a shelf which im still baffled about.

 

think i'll invest in a set of clippers anyway.

 

whoops!

[bobcullen79 1,495]

panic over, the hob toppled over a jar of thinners with a brush in it, and yes it was red paint he got on to a shelf which im still baffled about.

 

think i'll invest in a set of clippers anyway.

 

whoops!

Lol.. I used to put mine loose in the shed when cleaning out, used to shut the door, then the noises start.. Sounded like they were making a plane or something.

[Country Joe 1,411]

Did my ferts yesterday a spot of ferretone on the belly sat them on my lap, the job done in a few mins, just use my dog clippers.

They are easier to do, than the dog.

[joe14 98]

yes do mine every 3/4 week, they are on concrete and nails still get long.