Is this a bad idea?

[Frozen Feathers]

My roosters spurs are getting awfully long and sharp. I've read that I can twist the outer shell off, but I'm too scared I will hurt him. I tried screwing on wire nuts, it worked for a bit, but then they fell off and I'm afraid one of the critters will eat them. What about using tire valve caps (you know the black rubber caps you put on the stem where you put the air in your tire) and super glued them to the spurs. Or even super gluing wire nuts on his spur?? Does this sound like a bad idea...using super glue?? The wire nuts worked great until they fell off... I got to do something. I pick him up and he moves at all (not even being mean, just shifting his weight) and I get all scratched up!!

 

[Judymae]

I would think the tire valves would work. It is rubber so it can't cut into him in anyway when he roosts. But what would happen if water got down in it somehow? Could it cause an infection?

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I never thought of infection... I always thought of spurs like toenails.
I think they tire valves are small enough that they'd fit snuggly, and if I used water proof super glue and maybe put a ring of glue to act as a seal around the edge water shouldn't be able to get in...

 

[MayberrySaint]

Have Dremel, Will Trim...

http://www.slipspurbantams.com/TrimmingSpurs.htm

 

[MayberrySaint]

Here's a few more techniques...

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Can_you_trim_a_rooster's_spurs_without_causing_him_pain

 

[Frozen Feathers]

I'm surprised there's no blood!! I tried to trim a Lakenvelder I had once with dog nail trimmers and barely trimmed off a quarter of an inch and he was bleeding, not much, but still!

 

[MayberrySaint]

Here's a third link...read the second post. I think I'll try that one if I ever need to do it. However, I am hesitant at removing my roos best weapon against predators. My flock free-ranges most of the day.

http://www.the-coop.org/wwwboard/discus/messages/5103/3432.html

 

[MTchick]

The "no blood" is because the dremel cutting disk heats up really fast with the friction on the spur. When the cut crosses the blood supply, it cauterizes (heat seals) the blood. I'd guess it still bleeds occasionally, personally. If you cut with dog clippers, the cut is clean and quick but not at all hot, so you'll still get bleeding. Just keep some cornstarch or styptic powder handy for that.

-MTchick

 

[mudhen]

Darn it, I threw it away, but last issue of Backyard Poultry had an article on capping and/or removing the spur. It had a few suggestions and how to deal with spurs.
Maybe some one still has a copy? It is the one with the polish roo on the cover...