How to prevent spur gouges on my hens.

[Sjisty]

I have a dark brahma hen with long deep gouges on either side of her body. I'm guessing they are from my roo's spurs. They were laid wide open yesterday and bleeding, but look much better today. I obviously can't put her outside until they heal, though, so I have a house chicken for a few days. She found my mealworm farm in the laundry room, and it's hilarous to watch her watching "mealworm TV."

She is otherwise healthy and not enjoying being in my kitchen in a cage. I have an apron, but it doesn't cover where the gouges are, plus, the straps go over the gouges, which is a no-no right now. Any suggestions on prevention, other than sending my roo away? If I trim his spurs too close, will they bleed like a dog's toenails?

 

[MissPrissy]

Make or purchase a chicken saddle. It fits snug around her and should be made of a durable fabric so his spurs won't tear through it. Several members here make lovely saddles/aprons.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
I haven't done any of these myself but there are a number of ways to handle spur trimming/removal.

The spurs can be removed without cutting, though sometimes there is a small bit of blood. Some people use a hot baked potatoe just out of the microwave...they cut it in half and press a half onto each spur. Let it sit for several minutes (you'll need to google or search here on byc for the best range fo time as I can't recall exactly). Then remove the potatoes and the spurs come off with a slight twist/tug.

Some people simply grab the spurs at the base and wiggle them back and forth around the base until the spur comes off...the spur supposedly comes off easily.

Other people use dremels, files, dog-nail clippers, etc., to physically shorten the spurs or dull them.

Here is a recent BYC thread regarding trimming/blunting the spurs...this seems to work good with longer lasting overall results.... Removing/trimming rooster spurs

Here is a link to an article listing a number of ways to remove/shorten spurs... How to Remove Rooster Spurs.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Sjisty]

Thanks Ed! I have several good ideas now.

 

[MissPrissy]

Don't cut or try to remove the spurs without some stiptic powder on hand. When they start bleeding it seems like they will never stop. It is very easy to cause bleeding if you cut the spur too short or pull the softened spur off.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
MissPrissy, in the case where an individual did not have styptic powder handy I've seen it recommended to use sugar or flour in it's place. Basically using the flour/sugar as a clotting agent. Have you ever used either of these or something similar?

Ed

 

[Sjisty]

I just tried to dremel Rocky's spurs. One immediately started to bleed, but we got it a little blunter than it was. I guess plan B is the aprons. I hope they cover the sides, which is where the problem is. I'm not sure what plan C is - I can't imagine the spurs would come off easily if they bled that soon.

 

[MissPrissy]

Use a hot potato to soften the spur. Then twist it off.