How to Trim a Ferret's Toenails - FOOLPROOF

Trimming a wiggly ferret's nails can seem daunting but it's really quite easy with this method that keeps them occupied while your hands are free to get the job done.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A small towel
• Nailclippers that fit your hand well
• FerreTone Oil

1. Take the FerreTone oil out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes ahead of time to allow it to warm up.

2. Gather your tools together and hold your ferret.

3. Sit on the floor with your back against a chair or couch. Make sure the lighting is really good so you aren't working under shadows.

4. Lay the towel in your lap then lay the ferret on the towel on it's back with it's head up slightly so it can lick it's belly. It works well to hold the ferret with your thumb and index finger around it's back and under the front legs. The ferret's head should be up toward your head.

5. Quickly pour about 1/2 teaspoon of the oil on the ferret's belly while guiding it's mouth to the oil. Once you show it the oil, the ferret will begin happily licking away.

6. While the ferret is licking the oil, gently hold the first paw and turn it slightly to the side so you can see where the pink part of the nail is. Clip each nail just above the pink, leaving some white nail. Continue with each paw, until all nails are clipped.

Tips & Warnings

• Familiarize your ferret with FerreTone before doing this so it will be eager to begin licking. You can let your ferret lick some oil from a spoon.
• If the FerreTone oil is not room temperature, the ferret may jump a little when you pour it on his belly.
• You may want to make sure you aren't wearing clothes that could be damaged if some oil gets on them.
• Pet nail clippers can be used but regular fingernail clippers work best for me.
• I don't recommend using any part of your own body for the ferret to lick the oil from. Even with the most tame ferret, there is the possibility of being bitten.

Resources

• All About Ferrets

[beyond]

on 11/9/2008 pouring oil on a ferret's belly sounds like a fun time