I've been using clothes pins on the ferret's scruffs for ages for nail clipping. I use two pins that don't pinch very hard (I clip them on my little finger or wrist or something such as that to test them out first.) And I put the clothes pins right where I would be holding the scruff. The ferrets don't squeak or squirm or make any indication that they are uncomfortable or in pain. And the pins stay on about 30 seconds (if that!) - just long enough to clip all the nails. My ferrets DO NOT like ferretone. Nor do they seem to like any other types of "treats" such as that. So I cannot put something like that on their bellies. I have tried numerous times & numerous products. They do NOT like being reclined on their backs & held while trying to clip nails. If I scruff them with one hand, that only leaves one hand free to try to catch & clip nails. And they will undoubtedly start twitching their feet - making it nearly impossible to SAFELY clip nails without injury. I use the clothes pin method for my cats as well, and have zero problem clipping their nails by myself. They also lay still & do not indicate to me that they are in any discomfort or stress. I have seen people grab & hold their ferrets (& cats) DANGLING by nothing more than the scruff of the neck. How is THAT any less damaging than applying a clip to the scruff?? A binder clip - I don't think is appropriate, because binder clips pinch HARD. But certain clothes pins are rather gentle. I would like to hear multiple veterinarians's comments regarding this. [AS] [Posted in FML 5840]