cutting long toenails - toes already bent

[chrissyl]

I have just received an Isa Brown about 6-7 yrs old, she has very long toenails and her toes are bent because of this. do I cut her nails down past the quick - which will make them decent length, or do I just nip a bit of the end of toenails (up to the quick). She does need a cut past the quick to get them to a decent length - is this cruel/hurtful?

 

[AlleysChicks]

It hurts to cut the quick. Like cutting the end of your finger off. Cut as close as you can and over time it should recede back some. Regular toe nail trims must happen.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

If you cut into the quick of the nail the chicken will bleed profusely and it is very painful. Cut as close to the quick as you can without actually cutting the quick and then check her nails in 2-3 days to see if the quick has receded. Once the quick has receded cut her toenails up to the quick & wait 2-3 for the quick to recede and repeat the process until her nails are at a natural length.

 

[chrissyl]

Wow thanks folks - I had no idea that the quick recedes - so I will just trim away above the quick and keep at it until they a decent length.
Really appreciate that information - been at my wits end what to do.
Cheers
chrissy xxxx