Belgian d'Uccle feet advice :)

[ErnieBerley]

Hi

I recently acquired 4 amazing cute Belgian mille fleur d'uccle hens. I have a question about their feet. One chicken has long featherless barbs down there that makes it difficult for her to walk - well it looks that way, she gets around fine, but she has to pick her feet up high each step so not to stumble around. Are these barbs sensitive, do you cut them back like toenails on dogs? thanks for any advice !

 

[Wezdin]

You will be okay to cut the shafts, just make sure there is no blood in the center of the shaft before you cut.

 

[Folly's place]

I don't have SQ birds, in part because I think the foot feathering can get too extreme, and interfere with their lives. I select mine to have cute feathering, but not the maximum possible.
If your hen is having trouble navigating, then do try trimming her feathers a bit.
Mary

 

[ErnieBerley]

I don't have SQ birds, in part because I think the foot feathering can get too extreme, and interfere with their lives. I select mine to have cute feathering, but not the maximum possible.
If your hen is having trouble navigating, then do try trimming her feathers a bit.
Mary

hey i'm new at this...what's SQ?

 

[Wezdin]

hey i'm new at this...what's SQ?

Don't feel bad, I'm not new and I don't know

 

[ErnieBerley]

also on all this one of my d'uccle hens acts like a rooster...no crowing, but mounts the hens. It stands more erect than the hens and tail feathers are not rounded like the others..but the combs are the same. Could this be a male?

 

[Wezdin]

Pics please, has "she" laid eggs at all? it is normal for a hen to develop rooster-like tendencies when an actual male isn't there

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry, SQ is short for 'show quality', which can carry traits to extremes sometimes.
How about posting pictures, especially of your 'bossy' hen?
Some of my birds from the past:

 

[Folly's place]

Another older trio. I do have birds with more leg feathering, but haven't been taking pictures.
Mary

 

[ErnieBerley]

View attachment 2055229
Another older trio. I do have birds with more leg feathering, but haven't been taking pictures.
Mary

you have such beautiful birds...! i know they are a joy to have... thanks for sharing. I;'ll try to get some pics posted also