Silkie with club foot and long nails

[joymac]

I bought a little silkie pullet yesterday and knew she had a club foot (the breeder knew I wouldn't be breeding her). She seems to walk fine but her nails are soooo long, curling around. How do you clip them and how short?

 

[joymac]

Oops, or is it her claws? I'm kinda new to chickens!

 

[chickenzoo]

I like using a small cat nail clipper...often I pick them up at the dollar tree..... On light colored birds you can kind of see the quick area...on dark nails it's a little harder. Often if you cut a short amount and keep doing small amounts till you see a circle starting in the center of the nail..that is the channel of the quick.

 

[joymac]

Thanks! I will try just snipping off a little at a time. My DH keeps asking why did I have to get the one with the deformed foot, and PAY for it at that, lol.

 

[chickenzoo]

Because they tug at our heart strings.....that's why..hehe

 

[joymac]

After watching this new pullet for a week, I am wondering if I trim her claws if she will snag them on things and maybe it's better to leave her alone. I guess I need to post a pic.