Help Please - Do I need to be an expert to remove spurs?

[McGoo]

I want to remove the spurs from my roo so that he stopped abusing the hens. I am thinking about twisting and removing the outer layer of the spur versus cutting them back. What's better?

I've never done this before.... so I really need expert advice on whether or not I can do it. If I need another person to help out, etc. I have looked at some sites, but based on my book it says that you really shouldn't do it without being shown how. And do I need to separate him afterwards? I've got Blue Kote.

Thanks for any help here.

 

[pips&peeps]

It's pretty easy to twist them off.

You don't need a second person. Just get a good hold of him and with a pair of pliers (not wire cutters), gently squeeze and crack the spur next to the leg to loosen.

Then you get a good grip on the spur at the base and twist them off. Just be careful not to squeeze too hard and damage the cuticle inside.

You might want to have blood stop powder instead of blue kote on hand. I would seperate him or let him free range for the rest of the day so no one decides to pick at him.

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

http://groups.msn.com/chickenchronicles/spurremoval.msnw

http://www.geocities.com/KelliAnn293/healthproblems.htm

hope this helps

 

[McGoo]

Thanks... this is very helpful. Before I do it I'll need to get some of the powder to stop the bleeding - just in case. And I think I'll give the baked potato method a try. Doing it at night is probably a good idea too... he'll be a bit more mellow.

 

[Standard Hen]

Wow,,,,I wonder of that baked potato method really works?

 

[silkiechicken]

If you have a dremel, you can just lop off the end of it and any bleeding will be stopped right away due to the heat of the blade. Furthermore, it will leave the spur flat rather than pointy.

 

[jjthink]

Too funny, that one link that says not to eat the baked potato afterwards! As if!

I noticed recently that after 7 years it seems my roos spurs are suddenly getting so long that the one from one leg hits the opposite foot when he walks, and vice versa. So far he doesn't seem bothered but it looks like it could get uncomfortable. Might have to think about some kind of trimming or something.......

Yikes - gotta go. The chickens have mad enetry and are in the kitchen eating cat food at the speed of light, hoping to get what they can before i shoo them out!

JJ

 

[SpottedCrow]

DO NOT use the baked potato method...I did ONCE and it looked like I had OJ and Jack the Ripper over for steak tartare...The heat makes the blood go to the area...

The twist off method is SOO much easier!

 

[CUDA]

First off, if you twist off the husk, you will end up with a sharp spur afterwards, so you kind of defeat the purpose. I wouldn't recommend it myself. I have detailed instructions with pics on my site HERE , hope it helps. Good luck!

 

[McGoo]

Cuda,
that looks relatively easy. I assume you file a bit afterwards? And does it stop the roo from ripping the hens back feathers?

Or is a young roo that's starting to become agressive just going to get worse?

thanks