Source
r/Rabbits•
EffectiveRecord

Trimming the Nails of a Very Shy Bun

Care

We recently adopted a very shy bun. He will come for treats or some head rubs, but he absolutely will not tolerate being held down or picked up. He gets very frightened and hides when he's spooked. I'm planning ahead to when I will need to trim his nails for the first time and I have no idea how to do it without terrifying him! Does anyone have any suggestions?

Posted Sep 3, 2019, 5:08 PM UTC

38
BottomlessText69•

I used to trick my bun into a carrier when it was time to trim. It's easier to grab em when they're in the carrier. I usually combine nail trimming and vet visit together just to 2 birds one stone it.

2
DinkaAnimalLover•

Perhaps I can offer a few things. :)

  1. Try to see if you can do the trim on the ground at her level... Also often placing one arm over their back and holding them down just a little while you check on something makes them feel more secure and they are less likely to squirm or try to get away (hence two sets of hands may help).
  2. Also try doing it in a less familiar place to him - like where he doesn't spend much time and doesn't feel very conformable running away - this will make it faster and easier for both of you.
  3. To get the bunny more used to nail clippings try to establish a clear reward mechanism - for example show the bunny two blueberries. Give one right away and the other right after you are done. Over a couple times this will build more positive associations with nail trimming as a reward will expected.
  4. TIP: in case there is any bleeding, use corn start to put over the little nail and the bleeding will stop. It's not pleasant, but it happens and it won't hurt the bunny.. just scare them.

___________________

Take a look at some of the resources below - they should really help make tell you exactly what to do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtHczjBRaqI - great video on nail trimming (shows you what to do for black nails)

https://www.amazon.com/Safari-Professional-Large-Nail-Trimmer/dp/B0002ARQV4 - best nail clippers

Great advice here also on how to handle nails: https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/adof8k/first_ever_successful_nail_clipping_by_me_and_not/ and here https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/9k00rq/were_trying_to_get_him_used_to_being_held_as_of/ and here

https://www.reddit.com/r/Rabbits/comments/avd5hs/im_terrified_to_clips_my_bunnys_nails/

2
EffectiveRecordOP:ror:•

Thank you!!

1
DinkaAnimalLover•

Of course! Good luck!

Also if you feel nervous a vet will show you how to do it easily for only $15 or so the first time, or even a bunny rescue. :)

1
EffectiveRecordOP:ror:•

Ok, yes. I will be taking him for an exam to see if he’s ready for neuter, so I will ask them to show me. I’m so worried about him being petrified with the whole the vet trip.

1
DinkaAnimalLover•

Oh he will be ok! :)

An experienced rabbit savvy exotic animals specialist, which is the vet you need, will know how to handle and calm the bunny for the exam.

I would say a few things:

  1. Be sure to get a carrier in advance and place it on the floor and leave it there for him to explore... leave some greens inside to build positive associations and so he feels safe in it. This way when the time comes he is much less stressed in it.
  2. You an also practice taking short trips in the car - from around the block, to 30 minutes to the store.
  3. Bring his hay and favorite veggies and treats with you and a bottle of water with a bowl. He may not want to eat much but holding him on your lap and handfeeding may help him nibble.
  4. After you get home give him some space but make sure he is eating and drinking.

Some tips in the threads below:

https://rabbit.org/journal/4-1/HRJ4.1_Health.html

https://www.vet4life.co.uk/safely-transporting-your-rabbit-to-the-vet/

2