Charles Steel- you have to remember that ferret's nails are made the same
way a cat's nails are, that is, they shed in layers.  What's happening in
the layer on the top is starting to seperate from the rest of the nail, it
leaves a gap and things get caught in it.  If you are gentle, it should not
bother the ferret to have you pull something free.  What probably bothers
your baby more is just the fact that you are holding onto it's foot!
 
You should trim the ferret's nails on a regular basis.  How often depends on
your baby and how fast the nails grow.  I find the front nails grow much
faster than the back and I only have to trim the guy's back nails about half
as much.  Trimming their nails prevents them from getting caught, it can
pull off a nail if your not careful.
 
The method I use works really well even for stubborn cases.  First, I
recommend small scissor like nail cutters, the type that are used for birds.
Then I hold the ferret like a baby in my arms, on its back.  I put a small
drop of Ferretone on the belly and it kepts the fert's attention while I
trim a foot or two.  Another drop and finish up.  They will often sit
licking their bellies long after you have finished trimming nails.  Mine
like this method so much, I usually have one or two on my shoulders trying
for another turn while I trim someone else.
 
Maggie Mae
[Posted in FML issue 1720]