clipping

Question
I have 2 Guinea Pigs different breeds but they both have very dark nails. I am affraid to clip too much. Their nails are curling and even though I clip them I cant seem to srtaighten them out for fear that I will cut them too short. I have been looking for pictures to see what exactly their should look like but I cant get pictures to show that close. Can you help me?  Cindi  

Answer
I have noticed with all of my rescues and my breeders and babies that guinea pigs do have different nail types. Some guinea pigs can grow out their nails and they will never curl around, but then some have nails that curl even when they are not that long. Once the nails have curled, they will always do so, I usually try cutting the nail so the guinea pig can stand on the foot without it's toe being lifted up off the surface. If the nail has been overgrown for a while and started to curl then the quick will be further down in the nail. But try not to worry about clipping too far down, just go with your gut instinct, and nails never start to curl before the quick, so you can count on being able to cut the nails at least semi-straight, but they will continue to curl when they grow. Let me know if you have any more questions.
Brittany