Cochin Thread!!!

[ki4got]

Quote: i knew i'd seen it somewhere, but couldn't remember (k.i.forgot strikes again) so i had to google it. LOL

 

[joanie_maine]

Is there a limit for spur length for cochins? I was holding my black LF rooster and I noticed the size of his spurs. They are just over 3 inches long. He's about 3 years old, is it normal for LF cochin spurs to grow that large?

I remove spurs that get over an inch or so long. I just hold the leg securely, twist them slowly with pliers and they come off, showing the new little spur underneath.. I usually keep the roo by himself afterward, because there is a little bit of blood involved and I don't want him pecked

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Quote:
Joan, are there any guidelines regarding keeping or removing spurs if you are showing?

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Joan, are there any guidelines regarding keeping or removing spurs if you are showing?

My rule is the spurs are blunt if I show them. I have removed them but now I just use dog nail trimmers to shear the spur to a blunt end


.

 

[ki4got]

Quote: do you just remove the point or cut them short? if short, what do you do about bleeding?

 

[Coopa Cabana]

Quote:
Thanx Craig! I don't have plans (at the present) to show any of them, but wasn't sure. I do trim them when I trim nails, and I have a metal nail file to smooth them out. So they have blunt ends, but blunt ends on long spurs, as I've never removed them entirely.

They just look so dang uncomfortable. Guess I'll get my pliers out and try "poppng" them - as soon as I get my nerve up. Trimming beaks and nails is one thing - but this seams slightly more major - like more could go wrong if I do it wrong. And my males are all very friendly and like me - I want to keep it that way.

 

[mibirder]

Just a short spur story.....

Roger, my five year old original RIR free rangevegg flock rooster has/ had :2-3 inch spurs last summer. I came home one day and Roger was making a beeline into the woods obviously upset over something. Out about 50 yards i saw a young female Red Tail Hawk covering a "kill". Good old Roger flew into attack mode and knocked the hawk off the prey and vigorously flogged the daylights out of unsuspecting hawk. As I rushed out to break up the fuss, I could see that the prey was actually one of his hens. Within a minute or two the hawk got away fom Roger and flew off. Much to my surprise the hen was shocked but uninjured and recovered within a few minutes. As I looked her and Roger over, I noted that one of his spurs had broken off during the battle. He limped a little for the rest of the day but eventually the spur grew back and Roger still guards his girls diligently. At the same time he is a gentle beast with the girls and with people.

Hence, I only trim spurs if they are a problem for the rooster. Once I start showing, I guess I'll blunt the tips for the safety of judges even though my birds are respectful and gentle around me as I handle them often.

Dave

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

do you just remove the point or cut them short? if short, what do you do about bleeding?

Each birds spurs seem to grow at different rates. I trim them to about 1" long or so. I use the same trimmer for their nails so it is simple to do while handling and checking them for mites and general health. I seldom get into blood but if I do I just put him back down and let it stop naturally. It can't bleed anymore than twisting them off. I like that I have something to control them with but can not hurt me. I can also see advantages to removing them like many do.

 

[joanie_maine]

Quote:
Joan, are there any guidelines regarding keeping or removing spurs if you are showing?
Frankly. I don't know. I don't think there are points for spurs, or points for no spurs.

I just try to make sure spurs do not grow back into the roos leg. And if the roo is in a breeding pen, I don't want the roo to damage a hen.

My birds don't free range, so they don't need "weapons"

 

[Black Cochin Bantams]

Frankly. I don't know. I don't think there are points for spurs, or points for no spurs.

I just try to make sure spurs do not grow back into the roos leg. And if the roo is in a breeding pen, I don't want the roo to damage a hen.

My birds don't free range, so they don't need "weapons"

I believe you are correct about no points for spurs. I also feel that any bird that I show should have them removed or blunted out of respect for and safety of the judges handling my birds. I think this is interesting topic and very good responses!