Ingrown Spur

[chicknmania]

We have a young rooster who has what appears to be an ingrown spur. The spur on his one leg is normal, but the other grows n a big circle and is either embedded or seriously rubbing on his leg. I talked to our vet's office, and they think they can help us trim the spur and remove any imbedded portion from his leg, and hopefully it will be no big deal to keep it clean for a couple days til it heals.
It is only slightly impeding his walking. But is there any way to keep this from recurring? Or is there some sort of cap I could put on it so that if it does grow that long, it won't penetrate his leg til we can catch him to trim it? If we put duct tape on the end, would that damage it? It's just a hassle to catch him, though we can, we haven't yet. He's free-range. Plan to try to catch him tomorrow morning.

I know this is one of those questions that I'll be amazed if I get an answer that's a solution, but just thought I'd ask.

I'd ask the vet, but he doesn't normally do birds, and I'm sure he won't know.

 

[GoldenSparrow]

Please post a picture.

 

[chicknmania]

My phone camera hasn't beenworking, but I'll try to get one tomorrow when we catch him.

 

[fogandcopper]

There is nothing you can do but proide something that forces it to grow the way you want it to.

 

[chicknmania]

You mean like splinting it with a popsicle stick or something? Would that work?

 

[fogandcopper]

That might work.

 

[chicknmania]

Actually the vet said it probably would not. Said the only thing is to just keep them clipped, but they probably won't grow that fast.
Clipped both spurs, antiseptic on his little wound, and he's good to go. A worthwhile $10.00

 

[fogandcopper]

The one time I had to redirect a spur we used wire and tinfoil to make a mold for it.

 

[chicknmania]

I am basically worried that he might get caught on something if I try that. He free ranges and might get caught on a roost, or somewhere on the ground where he can't escape
from a predator or just is hung up and we never find him.....

Thanks for the idea though.

 

[GoldenSparrow]

you could remove it if came down to his safety. Its not very hard to do.