Cutting nails is a basic part of hedgehog ownership.  It can also be one of the scariest parts--but it HAS to be done.   If not, the nails will begin to curl under and eventually will dig into the feet, which causes discomfort for the hedgehog and eventually infection. Cutting nails is my least favorite part of ownership--but I'd rather do it and have it done right than risk my little one hurting himself.

Human nail clippers are the only things that should be used for this.  Nail "scissors" made for animals leave too much chance of accidentally cutting the foot or cutting too high on the nail.  Clippers made for babies are often a favorite, but normal sized clippers will work as well if that's all you have.

Nails need to be clipped every few weeks.

The biggest challenges with nail cutting are:

1) Getting your hedgehog to unball for you and allow you to handle their feet.

2) Missing the quick.

Unballing and handling feet are easily dealt with.  You can play a game nightly with your hedgie to desensitize to touching.  In this "game", you hold and stroke each foot for a few minutes.  Fun game, huh?  Afterward you might offer a mealworm/favorite treat.  Although it's not a game in the normal sense, this action will get the hedgehog accustomed to having his/her feet touched and it will make it easier for you when it comes time to trim nails.

If your hedgehog balls up every time you try to cut a nail, you can try cutting them while giving the hedgie a bath.  Water often keeps hedgehogs from balling up, and will enable you to easily reach the feet.

Missing the quick is a bit harder.  This is the scary part about cutting nails, because if you cut too far back you'll hit "the quick" (a blood vessel inside the nail) which will bleed--a lot.   You have to stop this bleeding quickly, or the hedgehog could bleed to death.  This area is a pink area.  You want to cut below this, in a neat flat clip. 1/8 inch below the quick is usually a good place for cutting.

It is easier to see the quick when the nails have been soaked in water. Not only does this get any poop off, it softens the nail and you can see the pink of the quick a little better. Because of this, you might want to consider trimming your hedgie's nails after a bath.

Techniques for cutting:

Doing so while in a bath, as mentioned above.

Two person approach: Have someone to hold the hedgehog firmly to against them while someone else wrangles the feet and clips the nails.

TIP: Always give a favorite treat after nail cutting so the experience is associated with good rewards.  Bribing goes a long way toward cooperation!

If you cut the quick:

Even the best nail trimmers accidentally cut the quick sometimes, so don't be too hard on yourself if you do.  Here's what to do if it happens:

Always have a small container of cornstarch or flour on hand in case you accidentally cut the quick, which can happen. Dip the foot in the container, being sure to get it onto the toenail that's bleeding. If this doesn't stop the bleeding, use Quick Stop (which is the same product your vet would use, but it stings which is why it's recommended as a last resort). It is important to stop the bleeding quickly, as hedgehogs have thin blood--and not much of it!

If the bleeding stopped quickly and it was just a little clip, you can leave the wheel in the cage for the night. 

If it looks like an angry cut that might start bleeding again, remove the wheel from the cage for a day or two.

IMPORTANT: If you accidentally cut off part of the toe get to a vet immediately! This rarely happens, but hedgehogs are prone to wiggling.

Some hedgehogs will be un-phased by having their quick cut; some will treat you like you cut off a leg.  Be armed with an army of mealworms/treats, and don't be discouraged if your hedgie is not happy with you for a few days.

If you're uncomfortable cutting the nails yourself:

Often the vet will do so for a small fee.  The problem with this is it needs to be done every few weeks.