Can you cut a chickens toenails?

[hisdaughter]

It sounds dangerous but I have a hen that was given to me and she has a few long, sharp looking toenails. My coup is off the ground and they do not free range so no opportunity to scratch and wear down the toenails. Is it safe for the chicken for me to cut it's nails? Or should I be more worried about my own safety? If it's ok to do, how should I do it? Is it ok to use dog nail clippers? Do they have a vein through them like dogs do and is there a risk of bleeding?

 

[Addicted2Quack]

Hi there,
We clip our chickens toenails if they need it. They will bleed if you cut them to far. You can see underneath where it starts to get thicker, I stop before that point. Then wait a few days and clip them again. Eventually you can get them to a short length. If you happen to clip it too far , have some flour handy and pack the end on the toenail and it will stop the bleeding. Hope that helps.

 

[hisdaughter]

Thanks so much for the help

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I cut mine with no problems. Just dont cut too far and you'll be fine