need some tips on removing a zip tie.

[ny mason]

I put a zip tie on one of my 4 week old RIR chicks legs and now at 7 weeks....well you know what happen.

It's way to tight to get a blade under it to cut it off and I cant move it at all.
has anyone here ever deal with this problem before?
any tips,tricks or advise would be great.

JOE

 

[Island Chick]

If you can't get a blade under, use a razor blade to saw at it (at an angle to help avoid leg getting in way) or heat blade up with candle or something and repeatedly burn/melt it off. Obviously both methods require a very immobile bird and a helper. I would add using fabric like vet wrap or something to protect leg helps (wrap above and below tie, so only the tie is exposed) and you can wet it if your going with the burning method to reduce heat on nearby leg tissue. Those are ways that have worked for me in the past on friends birds.

 

[carlye828]

If you look at the square part of a zip tie, there is a little tab in there that catches the ribs on the strap. You should be able to insert a small flat head screw driver in there between the tab and strap which will allow it to slide freely.

 

[Fred's Hens]

We also have better success with very small, very thin scissors found in a fingernail or toenail kit.
Side cutters from the garage tool chest are simply too thick.

 

[pawprint2104]

Carley is right the tab is easily moved to allow the end to slide through. Or as Fred's Hen stated try toenail clippers...very safe, very good.