Do I Need to Clip My Rats Nails?
WouterClipping your rat’s nails is not a difficult task if you follow the proper steps. You can also use a distraction technique such as using treats to distract your rat. In addition, you should check your rat for buck grease, which is an orange discharge on their skin. It is produced by testosterone-driven glands. If your rat has too much buck grease, it will cause orange dandruff on its fur.
However, it is vital to make sure you are not cutting too close to the quick. It is best to clip your rat’s nails at least three or four times a month. This will help your rat become accustomed to the process. Moreover, you must avoid cutting their nails too short or too long.
You should always check your rat’s incisors. Rats’ teeth are not as hard as yours, but it’s still important to check their length. They should be between four and seven millimeters long. When examining a rat’s teeth, you need to gently pull the lips back and check the length of the teeth.
You can also use infant-style nail clippers to clip your rat’s nails. You should be careful not to cut into the pink part of the nail, because this will cause bleeding, which is hard to stop. If you do cut too close, you can stop the bleeding by applying styptic powder. Cornstarch and cinnamon are also good options for stopping minor bleeding.
