Nails - how short?

[skits]

I feel like I've asked before, but how short should I cut my buns nails?

I cut my rabbits nails today, and I can see that they are too long compared to other rabbits I've seen on this forum, but I'm too scared on cutting a vein. Are they supposed to be completely out of sight in the fur? It's hard for me to concentrate on the nails because I know my Calvin is a little devil and I have to keep an eye on him.

 

[Nancy McClelland]

My vet tech showed me how to cut them--try asking for a quick lesson while they do your bun's nails.

 

[wendymac]

The amount that can be clipped off (and thus shortening them) depends on where the quick is. As a nail grows, so does the quick. As you trim them back (even just a fraction off the end) the quick starts to recede again. There are quite a few videos on Youtube (made by vets) on how to do it correctly.

 

[skits]

Ok thanks, I'll ask my vet

 

[LakeCondo]

If the nails are light colored, you should be able to see where the quick ends. Black nails are harder, but a bright light from the side should show the quick. Doing a little bit every few weeks is probably a good way to go.