These classes will be judged in the beginning of the show along with Best Kitten, Best Unstandardized, and Best Altered. This is going to make the shows go faster and will eventually make it easier for all exhibitors to enter their animals. It s much easier if another person can help you, but it s not necessary. The best tool I ve found is a simple human fingernail cutter. Trim off the tips of each nail while another person holds the rat and possibly distracts her with treats.
Some people also recommend a scratchy rock, such as pumice, for the cage.
I just clip her nails once a week. If you cut into the pink of the nail it will bleed and will be difficult to stop the blood flow. I prefer to use cornstarch and cinnamon. I usually bribe my rats with a treat, and while they are busy eating I get a family member to gently restrain the rat. I pick up a hand or foot and press so that nails are extended a bit and the fingers are spread, and then cut off the sharp tip with human nail clippers.