Consensus on nail trimming?

[krysgrandmond]

Just wondering if it's worth it to trim up the nails on my 4 babies? They're about 8 weeks old now, and my poor hands and arms are getting torn up from handling them for feeding, etc. Those little buggers are like razor blades! I'm paranoid about them not being as sharp as they are naturally when it comes time for release if I take that super-fine point off. Opinions? Do I trim, or just invest in a really good pair of leather gloves? LOL

[ALittleNutty]

At this age a long sleeve shirt comes in very handy. I haven't ever trimmed nails but if they will tolerate a couple of quick passes with an emery board across them it may help out. Yes, they are like razor blades and it sounds like you have a great case of rehabber's rash as I call it. Make sure you are washing up well and treating with antibiotic ointment if needed.

[czarina]

This is what I do, and it has helped my hands tremendously. I have a pair of infant nail clippers,(that I hide, cause he'll carry them off) , and while he comes and sits by me, clip-clip-clip, before he knows it!

I never clip more than 3 nails, and I just clip whatever nail I can get, befire he notices. It can take me 2 or 3 days, but it helps s lot.

Usually I only clip 2 on the back feet.

And this is really important: you only clip the white tip.

Good luck!

[krysgrandmond]

My arms aren't quite as bad as my hands, though, as they're becoming more sure of themselves, they like run up to my shoulder when they're done feeding and my forearms are starting to feel the wrath of those little things! And you're right, it does look very much like a rash in most areas. Tiny red dots everywhere with a couple longer ones from slight "dragging" while detaching them from the harder grips. I'll try longer sleeves, maybe ones that I can cut a thumb hole through and cover most of my hands. I feel bad about trimming the nails because I know that they need them that sharp out there in the big real world, but I worry that as they get bigger, so will the scratches. I know it's not intentional on their part, but WOW it hurts sometimes!! LOL

[ALittleNutty]

My arms aren't quite as bad as my hands, though, as they're becoming more sure of themselves, they like run up to my shoulder when they're done feeding and my forearms are starting to feel the wrath of those little things! And you're right, it does look very much like a rash in most areas. Tiny red dots everywhere with a couple longer ones from slight "dragging" while detaching them from the harder grips. I'll try longer sleeves, maybe ones that I can cut a thumb hole through and cover most of my hands. I feel bad about trimming the nails because I know that they need them that sharp out there in the big real world, but I worry that as they get bigger, so will the scratches. I know it's not intentional on their part, but WOW it hurts sometimes!! LOL

A large chambray (lightweight denim) works great. If you get one that has a button on the cuff and the split just above the cuff you wouldn't have to cut it.

[HRT4SQRLS]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Black-Long-Knit-Arm-Leg-Women-Fingerless-Gloves-Warmer-/300953151260?pt=US_CSA_MWA_Gloves_Mittens&hash=item461234a71c
This is what I bought ... fingerless gloves on eBay. They have MANY different selections and they are all pretty cheap. I like the covering on the back of my hands while still giving me the dexterity with my fingers. I overwintered a young one last year and the scratches were awful. Near release time, I couldn't take her out much because the wounds were ridiculous. :shakehead
She was very anxious to go outside and to be honest with you, I was anxious for her to go to the trees also. :grin2
She's out there now and loving life.

Not judging, not my place, but I don't know how those that chose to keep a pet grey/fox squirrel do it. It's not for me. Those claws hurt BAD.

[Chickenlegs]

A large chambray (lightweight denim) works great. If you get one that has a button on the cuff and the split just above the cuff you wouldn't have to cut it.

I wear flannel shirts all the time? AND I made a fleece "glove" just for playtime. I won't be home to post a pix till late tonight or tomorrow. Maybe if Julie (Sweeper) comes on this afternoon, she can post a pix of her "Nougie" glove (Nougie is her sweet squirrel girl who can get a little frisky with her claws)

[krysgrandmond]

I'm pretty handy with a sewing machine. Maybe a set of fleece sleeves will be in order over the next couple of days? LOL ... thanks for all your suggestions! If I can avoid trimming, I'd like to try that first! :D They are super sweet little babies, but just by moving around, I get new holes every time ... and they're starting to become more active now :p

[Mommaluvy]

Rehabbers Rash.. so thats what it is called !.

Its funny.. my biggins never did this to me.. but these 5 little nuts are clawing me to death LOL

[mommasbaby]

mommas baby is two years old and I have scars all over my legs and arms!!! After the first week of claw marks I wised up and started wearing flannel shirts with a t shirt under neath and thick sweat pants!! I never wear gloves mommas baby loves to wrestled with my hands and nibble on my fingers!!! live and learn when it comes to raising little fur babies!!Also I have never trimmed his nails to afraid of hurting him..

[astra]

sounds like these are healthy babies who are going to be released.
In which case it is best not to trim their nails.
They need nails when they jump to learn to get a good grip on things and so on and so forth.
If the nails are trimmed, they won't be able to get a good grip on surfaces which in turn will interfere with their jumping skills and strengthening of their muscles.
Besides, they may end up sliding off surfaces when jumping and injury themselves.

Only some adult non-releasable sqs get their nails trimmed (again, only "some" as some ppl trim and some ppl decide not to for the reason above).
Babies that small, and especially, sqs who will be released, shouldn't really get their nails trimmed.

Like all said: thicker clothes and ... just some getting used to :)