HOW TO CLIP NAILS OF BUNNY WHO DOES NOT WANT TO BE PICKED UP, by The Bunny Dojo - Rabbit Care and Bun Fun on YouTube. 7 min 50 s.
- Video length
- 7 min 50 s
- Time to do it
- 15 minutes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a quiet, well-lit spot and lay a towel on the floor. Let your rabbit settle for a few minutes before you start.
Kneel on the floor and sit the rabbit between your knees facing away from you. Do not lift them; keep all four paws on the ground.
Wrap the towel around your rabbit's body like a burrito, leaving one front paw out. Keep the wrap snug but never tight.
Hold the wrapped rabbit gently against your side and lift the exposed paw. Look for the pink quick inside each nail before cutting.
Clip a tiny slice from the tip at a 45 degree angle, staying well in front of the quick. Cut less than you think you need.
Work through the front paws one nail at a time, then rewrap to expose a back paw. Give a treat between paws.
If your rabbit struggles, stop and let them settle in the towel. Try again in a minute, and never scruff or force them.
Reward with a treat and let your rabbit hop away. Check the nails for sharp edges, and apply styptic powder if any nail bleeds.
Tips and common mistakes
For dark nails, shine a light under the nail or clip tiny slivers until you see a dark dot in the center.
Never scruff your rabbit or hold them on their back; both cause serious stress and injury.
If your rabbit panics, stop and try again later. Two short sessions beat one long struggle.
Ask a helper to hold the towel wrap while you clip if your rabbit is very wriggly.
Questions
How often should I trim my rabbit's nails?
Most rabbits need a trim every 8 to 12 weeks, but check monthly because indoor rabbits on soft floors may need it more often.
What happens if I cut the quick?
It will bleed and may hurt. Press styptic powder onto the nail with clean gauze and hold pressure, and call your vet if the bleeding does not stop.
Can I trim my rabbit's nails alone?
Yes, if your rabbit stays calm in a towel wrap on the floor. A helper makes it safer and faster for a wriggly bunny.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
