Can you trim a roo's spur?

[chicklin]

Hi everybody. I have some young chickens. I have a rooster and I was wondering if you can trim a rooster's spur or despur a rooster. And if you can trim a roosters spur (which would probably be cheaper than having someone remove the spur ) how far can can you trim the spur. Thanks

 

[Marlinchaser]

I use a dremmel tool, and cut them as close to the leg as possible.

It actually cauterizes the quick as it cut through it.

 

[DTchickens]

Most people trim i think.... About 1/4 of a inch from the leg.. Some longer, it's pretty simple really.. I also heard you can hold the roosters spur up to the sun, and most of the time.. Be able to tell where there'll be blood, and cut right before it so it doesn't bleed.. It'd never bleed much or major though either way, and friction from a dremel tool, hacksaw, or file (not a fingernail file..) is enough to cauterize it..

 

[chicklin]

does it hurt the chicken
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[DTchickens]

Quote:

No, not really... I've noticed it'll scare some "sometimes" but other then that, nothing.. Especially with a dremel tool because it happens so fast.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Here's a thread on the subject. It has photos and videos of different methods of removing the spurs.

Trimming Spurs Thread
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=92697

 

[chicklin]

thanks 4 all the info.