How can I keep my rabbits nails short without cutting them?

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FitzTheBun

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My rabbit is really squirmy and cannot really be held. I can't wrap him up in a towel because he doesn't sit still for long enough. Because of that, I can't cut his nails. Does anyone know how to keep the nails short without cutting them?
 
I don't think you can. If they are living outdoor 24/7 maybe then you can give them sand to dig, that might keep their nails short.
But this is just my opinion, maybe someone who is more experienced will/can comment on this.
 
If rabbits can exhibit their natural behavior of digging in soil, that can help keep their nails worn down. If that isn't something that is possible or practical with your rabbits current living environment, I would suggest taking a look at these different nail trimming videos to see if there's one that might work better with your rabbit. Though, do make sure whatever method you try, that it's done safely, to ensure no injuries occur if your rabbit doesn't cooperate.

https://wabbitwiki.com/wiki/Grooming
Otherwise, you may need to take your bun to your rabbit vet, and have them do nail trims.

https://rabbitwelfare.co.uk/rabbit-...abbit-friendly-vets/rabbit-friendly-vet-list/
Older listings, but may still be valid:

https://www.rabbitsonline.net/threads/rabbit-savvy-vets-ireland.42352/
 
I'll try giving him digging soil and if that doesn't work I'll try filing his nails and I'll bring him to the vet if that doesn't work
 
What is the color of his nails?

White ones are easier to cut since you can somewhat see how far the "organs" are stretching.
Black ones you have to rely on pure luck or maybe "less is safer" method. (Or one can try gently pushing down on the scissor withot actually cutting and check whether the bunny exhibits any kind of reaction, if he does then that part is a no-no, you need to move outwards)
 
Not sure if this will help with a rabbit, but when I had rats that didn't like having their nails trimmed my vet suggested a piece of slate in front of their food bowls. So every time they went to eat the would file their own nails when they walked across the slate.

It worked perfectly for the rats and saved me the embarrassment of sitting in the lobby of the vet's office with a cat carrier containing rats. People would peek in expecting to see a cute kitty and find themself nose to nose with rats and freak out. :D
 
Love it! I will try. I do the same for my hamster but I never thought of doing it for my bun
 

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