Rooster Talons ...

[CalBickieMomma]

Hey all!

I've been away for a while, but with the Coronavirus outbreak I'm stuck at home and have a little more free time. Anyway, hope you all are staying safe and healthy. Now on to my chicken question!

The other day, I noticed my hen limping and upon closer inspection, found a big gash on her side/back (ugh!). Seven years ago, I lost a hen due to this sort of injury (pretty sure it was the result of my rooster's toenails or spurs). Not wanting to risk her health getting worse, I took her to a local vet who deals with poultry and a very expensive bill later, she came out with lots of stitches. I'm glad I took her in, though, because the wound went deeper than I thought and it was full of dirt and grime.

Moving along .... I plan on filing my rooster's toenails and spurs to dull them a bit, so I'm just wondering if this method helps at all or if I should try separating him from the girls. Thanks!

- Jenna

 

[Wyorp Rock]

He may need a spur trimming as well?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/beak-and-claw-trimming.74570/

 

[Peppercorngal]

Hmmmm, I have no clue. I have a huge rooster named Harvey that is great with the girls. I've never even thought of trimming his toenails or spurs. I guess he's pretty gentle with the hens, I've not had injuries from him. You have given me something to think about.

 

[CalBickieMomma]

Hmmmm, I have no clue. I have a huge rooster named Harvey that is great with the girls. I've never even thought of trimming his toenails or spurs. I guess he's pretty gentle with the hens, I've not had injuries from him. You have given me something to think about.

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Maybe you’re just lucky. Do you let them free range by any chance? I had chickens when I was a kid and never remember having this problem. Now I have to keep mine in their coop/run (but it’s pretty big, about 230 sq ft, but maybe being confined has something to do with it, or maybe because my Gerard is just so young (will be a year old in June).
Anyway, I’ve decided to put Gerard in his own space and the little bantam boy in with the girls (he weighs the same as a piece of paper, so I worry much less about him hurting the girls .

 

[centrarchid]

Hey all!

I've been away for a while, but with the Coronavirus outbreak I'm stuck at home and have a little more free time. Anyway, hope you all are staying safe and healthy. Now on to my chicken question!

The other day, I noticed my hen limping and upon closer inspection, found a big gash on her side/back (ugh!). Seven years ago, I lost a hen due to this sort of injury (pretty sure it was the result of my rooster's toenails or spurs). Not wanting to risk her health getting worse, I took her to a local vet who deals with poultry and a very expensive bill later, she came out with lots of stitches. I'm glad I took her in, though, because the wound went deeper than I thought and it was full of dirt and grime.

Moving along .... I plan on filing my rooster's toenails and spurs to dull them a bit, so I'm just wondering if this method helps at all or if I should try separating him from the girls. Thanks!

- Jenna

You have something else going on to cause gash. Show a picture of wound on hens.

 

[tn_artist]

Hmmmm, I have no clue. I have a huge rooster named Harvey that is great with the girls. I've never even thought of trimming his toenails or spurs. I guess he's pretty gentle with the hens, I've not had injuries from him. You have given me something to think about.

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It looks like he's telling her "After you, ma'am"

 

[aart]

often large spurs effect fertility

Never heard that one @orrpeople
How would it effect fertility in the male....or just difficulty with mating?

 

[neo71665]

Were used to cut the rooster spurs with some pruning shears.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Maybe you’re just lucky. Do you let them free range by any chance? I had chickens when I was a kid and never remember having this problem. Now I have to keep mine in their coop/run (but it’s pretty big, about 230 sq ft, but maybe being confined has something to do with it, or maybe because my Gerard is just so young (will be a year old in June).
Anyway, I’ve decided to put Gerard in his own space and the little bantam boy in with the girls (he weighs the same as a piece of paper, so I worry much less about him hurting the girls .

Can you post some photos of Gerard, his feet and spurs?
Photos of the hen and her wounds?

 

[Peppercorngal]

It looks like he's telling her "After you, ma'am"

Exactly! He is that nice!