Should I file my ducks nails?

[morganurban]

My ducks’ nails are starting to grow a bit long. They don’t seem to be bothering them, but should I file them down a bit to make sure they’re comfortable? I’ve seen pictures of some domesticated ducks with extremely long nails and they just look uncomfortable. Advice/thoughts?

 

[casportpony]

Can you post some pictures of them?

 

[Miss Lydia]

What breed?

 

[CrystaBub]

following!

 

[morganurban]

What breed?

I have a Pekin and a Cayuga. Both are getting a tad bit long. Will post pictures asap

 

[Daphne_loves_mealworms]

I have a Pekin and a Cayuga. Both are getting a tad bit long. Will post pictures asap

My Rouen’s nails grew too long over the winter as I used very deep soft bedding and she didn’t exercise much. I was able to trim them very easily with her on my lap using small dog or cat nail clippers. I trim way too many dog and cat nails on a daily basis and found duck nails to be the easiest to trim! Just avoid the quick and take small bits off at a time if you do decide to trim and have Quick Stop or a similar product available just in case you need it!

 

[morganurban]

Can you post some pictures of them?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I use one of those dog grooming tools like a dramel tool for my dogs nails I bet it would work great on a ducks. But they may not like the noise. Reg small dog clippers would probably be fine. Your duck having trouble walking. You ought to see my Muscovy drakes nails

 

[danceswithronin]

I use one of those dog grooming tools like a dramel tool for my dogs nails I bet it would work great on a ducks. But they may not like the noise. Reg small dog clippers would probably be fine. Your duck having trouble walking. You ought to see my Muscovy drakes nails

This is what I would use too. Those $40 nail dramels are fantastic and my dogs (who HATE getting their nails cut) are not even bothered by them, so I think they'd be perfect for poultry. Plus if you grind the nail down there is less chance of cutting the quick and causing pain/instant distrust.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What I'd do to get them use to the noise is go out and sit with them a few times and turn it on so it isn't all that new to them. Toss some meal worms close by.