How to trim their claws?

[Poly318]

I've recently aquired some former cage laying hens. Their claws are much too long causing some of the toes to turn sideways when they walk.
Can I trim them?
If so how far back?
Any suggestions on a tool? I've got claw trimmers for a dog. But it's not large enough fer the chickens.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

You can use the ones for a dog or a dremel.
Just don't trim too much at first. You can do it again after a bit more time.
In my experience, the quick on a chicken is much closer to the end than on a dog.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I used a dog nail trimmer and have a container of kwik stop for any bleeding.

 

[Poly318]

Quick stop eh! Suggestions as to where I can find that? I'm guessing it's better than flour.
As for the trimmers. Perhaps mine are for a smaller dog. I will have to find a larger set fer sure. I'd imagine a Dremal would spook em no?

 

[Edward Charette]

Check this artcile on how to get it done http://www.gardenbetty.com/2015/07/how-to-trim-your-chickens-nails/

 

[chickens really]

Trimming toe nails on a Bird is the same as a Dogs....Do not cut to much off....If you do, regular Pepper works to stop bleeding...Careful it does not go up your nose.....lol


Cheers!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quick stop eh! Suggestions as to where I can find that? I'm guessing it's better than flour.
As for the trimmers. Perhaps mine are for a smaller dog. I will have to find a larger set fer sure. I'd imagine a Dremal would spook em no?

Probably a pet shop or drug store.
If you're holding them right, the dremel doesn't seem to bother them. No worse than hitting the quick.
Pepper may hurt.

 

[chickens really]

No, Pepper does not hurt......I have used it on myself when I cut my leg bad......


Cheers!

 

[aart]

Check this artcile on how to get it done http://www.gardenbetty.com/2015/07/how-to-trim-your-chickens-nails/

This is a good tutorial...nice clear pics.

I've found cornstarch works just as good as quickstop and better than flour.
Never heard of using pepper....maybe any fine powder would work<shrugs>...but I'll stick with corn starch.

Dremel can be nice because if you hit the tip of the quick you'll have a much smaller 'bleed' to stop than if you cut into it with trimmers.
But they can be tricky tho, easy to 'over rotate' and lose control...can generate heat too, which can be uncomfortable for animal.
I use a large coarse drum sander bit with dremel.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

No, Pepper does not hurt......I have used it on myself when I cut my leg bad......


Cheers!

good to know - thanks