I need to trim my rooster's spurs, how do I do it?

[Cookies-Chickens2004]

I just noticed my bantam rooster has very long, curled spurs. I'd estimate they are at least three inches long. I don't have a Pic yet he's quite flighty. So I'm wondering how to trim them before they curl back into his backside. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[azygous]

The safest easiest way to deal with long spurs is to twist them off. New spurs will then take a couple years to grow back, eliminating risking trimming. There is a "quick" that can get nicked and could bleed if it's cut into.

There are lots of YouTube videos showing how you remove spurs. It takes about one minute if you take your time, about fifteen seconds after you get comfortable with the technique.

I wrap my rooster snugly in a towel to calm him and confine his wings, leaving his feet exposed. Taking ordinary pliers, I grasp the spur at its base close to the shank. Then I begin twisting the spur back and forth very gently until it loosens. Then one more good twist and it's free to just lift off the fleshy nub inside the hollow spur. Do the other one, and he's done. I spray the wet nub with Vetericyn and it will harden within 24 hours. No need to try to keep it clean. Infection is practically zero risk.

Very rarely a rooster's nubs will bleed. Have some styptic powder handy just in case.

 

[azygous]

By the way, hens are not immune to having spurs that can grow out of control. I've had several hens with curving spurs that I removed using this method.