hat is the best way to take off rooster spurs?

[GoldenSparrow]

what is the best way to take off roosters spurs?
I was think the potato method?
what is the best way for the birds sake.
and these are very big spurs.

Thanks

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not sure why you want to remove his spurs. It could be to stop damage to the hens of because the spurs are so long he has trouble walking. When I do it, I'm trying to stop damage to the hens.

There are different methods. I prefer the Dremel tool with the discs used for cutting metal. I wrap the rooster in a towel to control him, them cut the ends off. I don't try to cut it off real short, but take away maybe 1/3 to 1/2 the length and leave a blunt end. I usually draw very little or no blood and he does not show any discomfort at all. It is probably a good idea to have some flour on hand to throw on to stop bleeding if it gets bad, but it never has been bad when I do it.

I grind the ends of his claws off too. I think the claws do more damage to the hens than the spurs. Again, I just try to blunt them, not take all of them off.

 

[duckinnut]

Quote:
I basically do the same thing. My Roo ripped a couple of my girls with his spurs, not to mention he outweighs them by 3 to 4 pounds. Instead of flour I use a bar of Ivory soap after the spurs are buzzed off. What I do is rub the bar on the trimmed spur forcing the soap into the spur completely sealing any bloodloss. It works great. The added bonus it kind of knocked him down a rung or two,he was less agressive with me and even lets me handle him now and he doesn't crow as much either.

 

[Twiggers96]

Quote:

I like Ridgrunner's method. I've seen a live demonstration of removing them but cutting the hard casing with wire cutters & then twisting the hard casing off and
it did not look fun for the rooster. It also left him with some raw flesh (what was inside the hard casing) exposed and I'm sure that was not fun for him either.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I use a pair of pliers and twist them off. Its very easy. I tried using a pedi paw to grind the spur off (my roo had a bit of fishing line wrapped around his foot, so the spur had to go one way or another), the bird flipped. Maybe it was the sound the grinder made that freaked him out. Anyhoo, he didn't so much as flinch when I grabbed it with the pliers and twisted it off. Good luck!

 

[workinnanie]

Quote:
What is the potato method?

 

[GoldenSparrow]

The potato way
https://sites.google.com/a/larsencr...braces/roosters-spurs--shortening-or-removing
what do you all think of this?

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have not used the hot potato method so I cannot comment on it. No experience.

When I use the Dremel tool, it is over on a very few seconds and he goes back to the flock. No need to prepare a special place or keep him separated for days or weeks.

 

[workinnanie]

Wow. Interesting! Not sure I could do it but my hh might!

 

[ChickenMack]

Wow! I had a RIR (sadly, he was culled for aggression) that had huge spurs and the vet wanted to gas him for a few minutes and take them off. I didn't think I could do it but after reading the potato method, I can handle my up and coming roos. Thanks.