Be patient when working with your hamster. Remember that it will take time for him to get use to you, and to being handled. If you lose your patience, it will frighten him, prolonging the process even more. If your hamster badly needs his nails trimmed, but is too wild to be handled, take him to your vet where they can use a sedative to take care of the nails. Have plenty of treats ready during the taming process, too!
There is no right way to hold your hamster when trimming his nails. Find a way that is comfortable for both you and your hamster. You can try holding him upright in your hand so that his paws stick out above your fingers, or try holding him flat, so that you will be able to grasp his his paw between your fingers. Don’t hold on to his paws when first practicing this position. Get him comfortable with it before moving on to that. Give him a treat to reward him when he sits still in your hand. After practicing for a few times, you might also consider wrapping him in a small towel to keep him more contained, if you think it is necessary. If he sits very still in your hand, it may not be necessary.
Remember to reward him after each training session! Either with a treat or some time spent running around in his ball, if he has one.
Most hamsters have nails that are translucent, so when you look very carefully, you will see a part that is nearly clear, but closer to where his nail meets his paw, there will be a more cloudy part; this is the quick. The quick is the area where the blood supply to the nails ends. [2] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
Do not try to trim your hamster’s nails on your own if he is not tame enough to sit still while you hold him in your hand. Ask your vet if you can watch him trim the nails, and if he can explain the process as he goes through it so that you can do it on your own.
Styptic powder can be found at most pet stores or online. This powder is used to stem bleeding. Hopefully, however, you won’t need to use it. You might also consider wearing gloves if you’re worried your hamster might bite you, although this should not be the case if you have spent adequate time taming him.
You can also wrap the bottom half of your hamster in a towel to help keep him contained. This will also give your hamster a feeling of security.
The quick is the area where the blood supply to the nails ends. [4] X Trustworthy Source Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine Leading veterinary medicine training institution and biomedical research center Go to source
On some days, your hamster may be too squirmy to trim more than one or two nails. If this is the case, don’t try to force him. Simply trim the nail that is the longest, and try again tomorrow.
If he gets impatient and squirmy, either take a break for a few hours or try again tomorrow. You should also try to choose a time of day where your hamster is least active. Hamsters are nocturnal animals, so they will be less active during the day.
This may be the best option if your hamster is very squirmy every single time you try to trim his nails. It will allow the person to hold the hamster to hold on more firmly because he/she will be able to use both hands, and it will allow you to hold the paw more carefully while trimming because you will also have two hands to use.
This will probably work best if you and your friend face each other. This way, your hamsters paws will be pointing out, directly at you. If you need to talk during the trimming, make sure you keeps your voices soft and relaxed. You may scare the hamster if you shout or talk very loudly.
Again, be sure that you are not cutting the quick!
Don’t forget to thank your helper, too!
