Really long dew claw

[Galaxyfalcon]

One of my girls has been growing a really long dew claw — I've never seen anything like it and I haven't read or seen a lot of discussion on dew claw maintenance. I only ask because it seems to keep growing; at this point I think it's nearly an inch long. Should we trim it or just let her walk on it and hop the wear and tear of duck like rubs it down?

 

[sourland]

I'd be concerned that it might catch on something and rip. I'd trim it.

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

I'd be concerned that it might catch on something and rip. I'd trim it.

Any advice on trimming it/techniques? I'm not sure if I should just use nail clippers or something...I'm sure she wont like it but I also don't want to hurt her!

 

[CoriM]

I have trimmed a duck's nails with an extra large nail clipper - one of my girls doesn't wear hers down. Way better to clip than let it tear on something!

 

[CoriM]

If you're worried about her flapping wrap her gently in a towel.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

My favorite tool to use is a pair of small dog or cat nail clippers for clipping duck nails. You can get a pair for $5 usually at any pet store and are perfect since duck nails are rounded as well.

 

[Galaxyfalcon]

This will be my first time trimming her, should I expect her to bleed at all or no? She already hates being picked up so I hope we can make it quick for her!

 

[CoriM]

I actually just trimmed all my ducks nails. I don't know why hers grow so much. It shouldn't bleed - just don't trim down too far. I just held my duck under my arm so she was resting her keel on my leg and gently pulled one foot backwards. You can make it really quick and give her a treat afterwards. This is 100 times easier than trimming my dog's nails