Gosh darn it I struck oil...erm, blood.

[Maddog_photog]

Cut my duck’s nails today. Struck blood on the only two I cut. Is there a better way to do this that this doesn’t happen?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Find the quick before you cut

 

[Isaac 0]

Cut my duck’s nails today. Struck blood on the only two I cut. Is there a better way to do this that this doesn’t happen?

The best way to prevent the nails for bleeding is to totally prevent trimming the nails in the first place. Ducks that are allowed to range on grass/dirt naturally wear down their nails so it's not needed.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

The best way to prevent the nails for bleeding is to totally prevent trimming the nails in the first place. Ducks that are allowed to range on grass/dirt naturally wear down their nails so it's not needed.

Could I just ask how people seem to have that luck? My chickens and my ducks I used to have would free range every day and their nails grew horribly long without trimming. Just trying to figure out why mine seem to have a problem others never have

 

[Trisseh]

My runners have no issue wearing theirs down, but my big fatty appleyard has funny nails that I refer to as “rabbit” nails - they stick out straight and pointy so she doesn’t really wear them down. I routinely trim hers but you have to only take the tiniest amount when you’re first doing it. Just the very pointy tip, and do it more often, so the quick recedes. Same as any other critter’s nails, you can only cut so far before you hit it. Better to do more often in small increments. if you DO hit it, flour or corn starch or blood stop powder work to stop it so it’s not a blood bath.

 

[Maddog_photog]

The best way to prevent the nails for bleeding is to totally prevent trimming the nails in the first place. Ducks that are allowed to range on grass/dirt naturally wear down their nails so it's not needed.

Glad someone said that after I bought the trimmers. I’m gonna buy super clot for the bleeding nails. Is this good, or just avoid it and leave it be? @Isaac 0

 

[CindyJax]

I just don’t cut their nails. Haven’t had any problems so far.

 

[Isaac 0]

Glad someone said that after I bought the trimmers. I’m gonna buy super clot for the bleeding nails. Is this good, or just avoid it and leave it be?

Get the gel, there have been reports of toxicity with the powders. If you do need to trim, use this guide.

 

[Folly's place]

Sometimes it's part of that learning curve, and doing better next time. It happens, corn starch or even flour will help in a pinch, and cut less each time.
Mary

 

[Bear1978]

Why cut them in the first place? They’re outside and scratching around in the dirt so what’s the point?