Battle wounds (me not them)

[ushiwakafox]

Hey all, just wondering if ya'll have the same issue with cuts and scratches as I do. Whenever I take my girls out for some "forced socialization", especially my more active one, I end up with tons of scratches around my neck where she likes to dig under my clothes, even if I layer shirts for protection. Like right now I look like I have some kind of skin disease on my neck and shoulders
Anyone else have this issue? Or maybe does someone have like a super secret way of preventing scratches that they'd like to share

[gal5150]

I clip the boys nails but you could also try a nail file. Hold the foot firmly, covering the toes to the nail so you dont accidentally harm a toe. Even if you only get a toe or two done each sitting, that one or two less scratches! Good luck!

[ushiwakafox]

What do you use to clip them, just a human nail clipper?
Thanks for the reply by the way. I've also heard about setting up some kind of bird perch or something made of a rough material that wears their nails down, but I just don't have the money for stuff like that right now.

[Rat Daddy]

I get my share of scratches... Neck, arms, legs etc. Running on pavement seems to wear down the nails, but that's not always a benefit. Sharp nails actually help keep your rat attached to you. When their nails wear, they are more likely to fall off you when you walk around with them. Worn nails also make it harder for them to climb stuff.

[gal5150]

Human nail clippers but the small size used for babies. If you choose to do so be careful to clip just the clear tip, avoiding the pink colored quick. I have two bird perches spaced like ladder steps, thus far they have done nothing for dulling the nails. The trick is finding a way to make them grasp, curling the toes otherwise...as in my case...the nails make very little contact with the perch. I have filed the tips of one of my boys who is much harder to clip. Good luck, they wiggle like heck!

[amyk2978]

I've got clippers made specially for pets, got them off ebay I think.. There's just an extra little metal bit that you rest the claw on and it makes sure you don't cut them too short. They were cheap too
Also I've heard putting a rock in their cage, somewhere where they have to walk (ie. under the water bottle or food bowl), is a good idea as they file their nails down on it. Just make sure it's clean (if you get it from outside put in the oven on a low heat for about an hour).

[Phantom]

I get my share of scratches as well when I take my girls out to play. My younger rat, Mimi, has extremely needly sharp claws. I was thinking about getting some sort of rock for them to help smooth out their nails a bit.

[ushiwakafox]

After some thought, I decided to try clipping. I hate to do it, but it saves me pain that I no longer wish to suffer lol. Snorelax Loves being on my shoulders and in my hair and it's just so painful with her nails so sharp. She actually started licking my wounds. It was a bit tough but I managed to clip the three middle toes. She screeched and protested all the way but I'm surprised she didn't struggle more. Overall I'm happy. I left her "fingernails" so she can still keep her grip. Proud of myself :P
Thanks everyone for the advice

[gal5150]

Yeah, all your aiming at is clipping the sharp tip off. If your doing it properly she should still have nails that curve and there should still be a clear tip left before you see the pink quick so please make sure not to clip too short as it is extremely painful and will make your next clipping attempt horribly difficult, if not close to impossible. Glad you got 3 done!

[Raturday]

I have tons of scratches on my neck and when I go running and sweat, it burns so bad D:
My girls are way too hyper to try to clip their nails, so I just kind of deal with the marks on my neck and occasionally my arms.