Hen with claws turning upwards

[oregonkat]

I adopted several hens from a friend and one of them has two toes (first toe on the right and third on the left counting from the outside) that seem to be curled backwards so the claws are growing at an upwards angle. I am going to try to photograph this tonight when she is roosting as I would also like to know what breed she is. In the meantime, she is about 2 years old and I suspect she is too old to do anything about realigning her toes. They do not seem to bother her in the least but one of the claws is quite long. Do I trim it?

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I adopted several hens from a friend and one of them has two toes (first toe on the right and third on the left counting from the outside) that seem to be curled backwards so the claws are growing at an upwards angle. I am going to try to photograph this tonight when she is roosting as I would also like to know what breed she is. In the meantime, she is about 2 years old and I suspect she is too old to do anything about realigning her toes. They do not seem to bother her in the least but one of the claws is quite long. Do I trim it?

I would trim them. Be very careful though, and slow, and there is blood in the toenail, farther down.

 

[oregonkat]

Do I use regular nail clippers for this? Thanks for such a quick response.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

Do I use regular nail clippers for this? Thanks for such a quick response.

You can. That's what I used. Just be careful that when you grab it, you aren't like pushing it up, as it easy to move it around,which may be painful to the chicken. Do little tiny clips, until it is normal length. And if you do happen to hit blood, don't panic, just put your finger or something on it, to stop the blood.

 

[oregonkat]

Excellent, thank you. I am headed out there now, although now I look out the window it is getting dark.