clipping nails

Question
What's the best way to clip our guinea pigs' nails?  We can't get them to hold still long enough to do any clipping.  the minute we touch their feet, they start moving around.  I can't afford to take them into the vet every time they need a clipping.  How often would you say nails need to be clipped?  Is it okay to put sandpaper on the bottom of their cage to dull their nails?

Answer
Janet,

A Guinea Pigs' nails need to be clipped once a month. It is not a good idea at all to put sandpaper on the bottom of the cage, as a Guinea Pig's feet are very sensitive and sandpaper hurts their feet, they get sores, or even can cause bleeding on the feet.

The easiest way to cut a Guinea Pig's nails is to use regular nail clippers, the kind you use for your own nails. Bring the Guinea Pig up to just under your shoulder, turn them onto their backs, places your pointer finger between the front legs and under the chin to prevent the pig from biting and clip away. This way you don't have to touch their feet and they are less likely to move around.

Good Luck To you,
 Take Care,
   Jules