To clip nails or not to clip nails. That is the question ...

[rhapsody]

Hmm, I've been wanting to clip my ratties nails for some time now - their scratches swell up pretty bad, and despite trying to cover exposed skin, my kiddos have developed a knack for slipping under my clothes. Short of wearing a full-body latex suit, nothing is going to stop my kiddos from seeking out my body heat in the most efficient manner. I'll be visiting my folks next week, and I know my mom is going to ask how my hands/arms/neck/back have been "Freddy Kruegered" - she'll blow a gasket if she finds out that they're from rats.

HOWEVER, all my kiddos love to shoulder-ride, and I usually have one or two out with me as I do various chores throughout the apartment. I'm afraid that by clipping their nails, I will greatly reduce their ability to hold on to my sweater as I move about.

Is it worth the trouble to clip my ratties nails? Its not like they are overly long or anything.

EDIT: I know you can also pop bricks/rocks in the cage to naturally file the nails down, but wouldn't that also make it hard for them to hang on during on-the-shoulder rides?

 

[Kimber]

I used to clip my old guy's nails...he was very patient about it and didn't seem to bothered. I have had rats though that took seven days to trim all their nails. You have to get them used to it, be VERY careful not to trim too short and make it a fun experience. To start you have to get them used to you holding their hands/feet and playing with their toes.

I found it helped a lot with the amount of scratches I got but it just depends on how stressful it is to them

 

[Catibrie]

I know a lot of Rat Shack folks who don't trim nails, but put a brick in the cage (like below the water bottles) to file the nails whenever the ratties go for a drink.

 

[jorats]

I don't do it unless the rat is old and it's curling under. Everyone is used to my scratched up welts in my neck. lol

 

[Rachael]

I've never had to cut their nails. The scratches are easy to get used to haha.

 

[Chevalrose]

I cut my ratties nails, especially the ones that neglect them (some actually chew them off themselves). The more often you do it, the better they are with it. It doesn't effect them climbing and shoulder riding and you will STILL get some scratches, but not as severe.

 

[zenia wulfe]

I clip my rats nails once ever week or so. If I pick them up and they are pointy, then I feel it is time. None of mine have trouble staying up on my shoulder. When I am clipping, they do squirm around, but I am very very patient with them and eventually once it has happened a lot, they sit still and just let me do it.

 

[adreabri]

I use the brick trick... I took it out and within a week i noticed my hands all scratched up again so the brick went back in. we do lots of shoulder rides here...