AllenK RGV
Chicken Addict
That's the same method I use I wrap my animals in a towel as far as trimming beeks I never trim the black stuff j just the overgrown white parts of the beak. We use dog nail trimmers. I have never felt the need to trim chicken claws they scratch and keep them short themselves. The only chicken that ever needs a beak trimming is my cross beak. All of our other chickens do just fine with the concrete for trimming their beaks.Somebody, I think @casportpony , just posted a photo and comments on beak trimming.
If you could post a photo of two it might help us some.
I don't trim beaks. When I trim claws I use a Dremel tool and one of those discs you use for cutting metal. Some people use a Dremel tool and a grinding bit to gradually take them back. Some people use dog nail clippers. Different ways to go about it.
The claws have a quick. If you cut into that quick it will bleed some. On the few times I've cut into it the bleeding wasn't much, just a few drops. Some people say it's a lot when they cut the quick. It's probably a good idea to have some flour or corn starch handy to stop the bleeding, but I've never used it.
There is no set length of how far down the quick goes. Usually if I take off no more than 1/4 of the claw I do not get into the quick.
Forgot to add, I wrap them in a towel. around the wings. Keeps them pretty calm. Even when I nicked the quick the rooster did not flinch.