Rooster Spurs

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

What is the safest way to trim rooster spurs? I watched my Grandfather do this when I was a little girl, but my memory isn't very clear. Any suggestions. Our rooster is tearing up our hens. His spurs are so sharp....our hens have cuts on both of their side. Some are deep!! I am thinking Grandpa clipped them off with wire cutters?!?!

 

[americana-chick]

you posted this in the wrong section but that gave me a good idea for a contest!

 

[chickenchickenbulkbulk]

I realized what I did after I did it. I am glad that I could help you.

 

[AllChookUp]

Now it would be nice if someone could help us all by answering your question....

 

[silkiechicken]

Moved this to everything else chicken so that someone with an answer is likely to see it. There are multiple methods including taking a dremmel and cutting the end off, taking pliers and twisting off, or taking a hot potato sticking it on, and then twisting it off.

Might search "trimming spurs" and the like.

 

[hooligan]

We take a dremel and cut them off. We leave about an inch (too close and they will bleed) and then round off the stub. No problems at all.

ETA that when you trim the spurs they smell like burning hair and you might want to cover up your nose/mouth so you don't breathe it in....nasty.

 

[Wynette]

I don't feel right removing my roo's spurs, so I purchased chicken saddles for the girls! They work great. Wish I had a picture...if you're interested, I purchased my saddles from:

http://www.mbldesigns.com/chicken_aprons.html

 

[L&Schickens]

I use a dremil on mine. I use a big sand papper disk that comes in the kit I have. I have also used dog nail clippers. Don't be shy about it. Cut them short. They might bleed, but it will be better then a little trim and your hens still getting stabbed with them.

 

[Break an Egg]

I read in storey's guide to raising chickens that you can put oil like baby oil or veg oil and softly move the spur back and forth and it will come off after a while. I don't know if this works, and even if it did you would need someone beside yourself, one person to hold the bird down and the other to do the deed.