Help! These claws!

[MnBFitz]

We bought this hen 5 days ago. We were told that she's an Ameraucana. We didn't notice her claws until today. Is this normal? Should we clip them? Does this mean she's an old hen? (We were told she was young.)

 

[rosemarythyme]

Woah yes you'll want to trim those. It's just like a dog's nails. You don't want to cut the quick so see if you can spot it inside (though might be tough) and if not, cut conservatively, a bit at a time. If you do get a bit of blood you can use styptic to help clot it (or I use cornstarch, since that's something I usually have on hand).

 

[CluckerCottage]

definitely looks like an older hen, judging from her feet.
poor girl. her former owner should have trimmed her nails!!!
if you soak her feet and use an old toothbrush to remove dirt from under her nails, you'll be able to see the quick much easier.
Good luck.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

You need to trum then make sure she hats lots of dirt around her.Foraging should really help this.

 

[MnBFitz]

Thank you all! We have trimmed them and will be keeping an eye on her.