I have a chicken that is three years old and comes at me once in a while. She has one spur on one leg and it is growing. It is now about 1 1/4" long and can do some damage if she wants to. One time she flew at me trying to stick me with it. I now noticed the other side has a nub just starting. I think she is growing another one on the other side. The question I need help with is how close can these be trimmed or can't they? I don't want to hurt her but I don't want to get spurred. Thanks Nanc1430
You can blunt the spur by cutting the end off with a set of dog nail clippers being careful not to trim too much and damage the soft spur underneath. File the stub smooth with a nail board. Another method is to massage oil into the spur to soften it, then gently twist with a back and forth motion (don't snap it off like you would a snap bean) but wiggle it back and forth and eventually it will pop off. Otherwise you can just put marshmallows over the spurs and duct tape them on.... (just kidding) I really never worried about it with my roos (when I had roos) they never tried to spur me or the DW. Oh, BTW, if the chicken has spurs it is most likely a "HE"
