Trim chicken toenails?

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Tala

Tala

Flock Mistress
10 Years
Apr 14, 2009
6,372
73
251
Benton (Saline County) AR
I picked up my Leghorns today (they are flighty and difficult - I only pick them up when necessary) and their toenails seem awfully long. They seem like it would be uncomfortable, but what do I know?

They "free" range, but with all the grass and so much rain recently I doubt that they are filing their nails down much as they scratch. Here's a pic tell me if you think the nails are too long?

27985_chickens_005.jpg
 
The nails look okay but a little bit of a trim might be good. If you decide to do so, use dog nail clippers slightly larger than you think you'll need. Cut very carefully!
 
I'm the official pet nail clipper of the family so I'm pretty sure I can do it if they need it.

Maybe I'm just comparing the chickens to the dog? I do like to keep my dog's nails pretty short and those would be too long for my dog, but maybe they're ok for chickens.
idunno.gif
 
I agree that those look to be on the long side of okay....you want fun try trimming quail toenails...that is a riot...NOT
 
Quote:
Really, it couldn't be any worse than cats. I swear you need at least three hands/arms to even attempt to trim cat's nails!
I will lock the rooster up then I will get DH to hold the birds down some day when he's in a helpful mood. Should be "fun"
tongue.gif


Anyway, I pick up my red birds more often and both the roo and Queenie don't have that long of nails, but all the Leghorns seemed shockingly long. Breed differences I guess.
 
It's only needed if the nails get too long. Birds that have the opportunity to run around outside don't generally need it, but those who are confined do.
 
Hah, my cats are easy; my dog bites my head off.

If you just want to take the points off, let the quick retreat, and repeat in a week or so, you might try rabbit claw trimmers. I found those to be very nice for cat-claws, and anything that's extremely fine and sharp. They seem to be a little easier to handle than dog trimmers, since they don't have the loop. They won't handle thick claws, though.
 

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