Duck's Toenails?

[rlmitchell]

HI everyone. I'm having such a blast with these 4 ducklings. I had the day off from work today so I spoiled them rotten. They had a nice long swim and spent a long time in the garden (their first introduction). What a blast.

After moving them around all day, my arms look like a war zone. When I pick them up, I support their belly and their neck and they cuddle them to my side. Seems great, but every now and then they kick their toes and wow! Their nails are SHARP! Not a big deal, I just need to be more careful in handling them.

However, that made me wonder if ducks DO need to have their toenails trimmed/cut like we do our dogs???

Thanks!

 

[Deleted member 94844]

Yes, we cut our ducklings' toenails... you can use a dog trimmer, just be sure and sterilize it with alcohol and be very careful not to cut to the quick. Be conservative, just take the sharp tips off. You can file a little if they'll let you. We have bluestone patios and that sands their nails walking around, so we don't need to trim them anymore.

Those baby nails are murder!

 

[HarlessFarm]

Me and My husband have wondered this too, bc our ducks nails are more like Talons. This should be an interesting task

 

[ducklover20]

Dont cut the whole nail! they need their nails, and they could bleed to death! only cut the tip, and yes, you can use a dog trimmer, but do it carefully.

 

[rlmitchell]

Hmmm, you have given me an idea. Maybe I'll build a little walkway out of bluestone! They sure are murder. I held them again today (trying to get them used to it). They drew blood this time! Crazy little buggas! Thanks for your tips!

 

[rlmitchell]

Talons sounds just about right!

 

[rlmitchell]

Thanks!