I have cut my ferrets nails too short, not into the quick but enough to make him make a dook-style noise of displeasure. I did not hurt him but I think the pressure of being close to the quick irritated him.
He is a sable, and even with the dark fur it's quite easy to see the quick in his nails (I just made a mistake).
They also sell nail clippers for dogs that have a quick guard. Does anyone know if they make them for smaller pets that they could link for Skiff? I also use human nail clippers but I have a set of the scissor style as well.
I think it really comes down to practice. The ferrets that I have not clipped too short still pull their hands away from me and don't want me to clip their nails, I think it's just a reaction.
I usually have my husband scruff them so I can clip them all quickly, or I wait until one is asleep and clip them.
What colors are your babies? Perhaps we could post some pictures and photo edit where the quick is of similar colored ferrets so you can get a better idea if the wiki-how hasn't helped you :)
On the same note, I'm sure you're all aware of the rotary style clippers that you can buy for dogs that grind the nail down smoothly... does anyone know if they make a small animal version? The only thing I hate more than my ferrets nails being too sharp is how they feel for the first day after clipping them, it's like tiny razor blades all over me >.<
<message edited by Seelen on Saturday, November 08, 2014 2:15 AM>