Twisted toenail on hen, do I trim back a little or all the way?

KMSonthecoast said:

Twisted toenail on hen, do I trim back a little or all the way?

Another rescued hen. At one time one of her legs had scale ( I covered it with vaseline for a few weeks).

It seems like the scale healed before I got her but the longest toe grew a twisted nail as a result and it is over 1/2 inch long.

I trimmed it back a bit when she came and it bled a little.

I am afraid to trim it back to normal size due to the quick and the risk of blood/infection.

I was told just trim a little off every few weeks...

But I am afraid she will get it caught in something and tear or break her big main toe?

What should I do?

She is managing so far in getting around, but clearly she would walk better with a shorter nail.

SO would you trim a little every other week OR just chop it back to normal length? I think the quick will bleed either way.

Thanks!

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chirpingcricket said:

A little over time should work, since it will continue to grow back that way.

Good idea to have a septic stick to stop the bleeding and a bottle of purple anti-septic spray to hide the fresh wound and blood weeping until it seals.

The larger the cut, the greater chance for severe bleeding, pecking/infection, etc. IMHO Would isolate the bird a few days and monitor closely. Could also apply a dab of NuSkin to a larger cut/wound to seal and speed healing.....Your choice.....Please let us know. Thanks!

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