Super sharp chicken nails... Ouch!!

[Momtymztu]

Several of the chicks ( 10 weeks) love to sit on shoulders
and arms... And will even fly up and sit in my kids
back, which the boys love. Problem is, their nails are
so sharp that they claw you to pieces on the way down.

I'm not thinking they are going to be up for a manicure
so, anyone have suggestions on what to put in the run or
coop to wear their nails down a little?

Thanks!!

 

[GitaBooks]

My chick, Dexter, is the same way.

You can try supplying from rocks and bounders and natural bark logs. You could also try clipping the very tip off the toe-nails. As they get larger their claws don't tend to be as sharp, so you could try wearing thicker clothes for a few weeks while they are young.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[Mrs. K]

Well, you can clip them, like a dogs.

However, I see you are a new egg, and perhaps don't have much chicken expernce. I would be cautious of birds getting up on your shoulders. They are naturally drawn to something shinny and more than one person has been strongly pecked in the eye, which has the potential to cause permanent damage.

These outgoing chicks might be roosters, and can become aggressive toward children. You need to be aware.

Mrs K

 

[Folly's place]

I agree with Mrs. K. This is cute now, but it won't be cute for long, and can result in ruined eyeballs and facial wounds. Cockrels especially just can't be allowed to behave this way! Having a bird sit on your lap, or being held in your arm, will be much safer. I want my cockrels to respect my space and move out of my way, not jump me! Mary

 

[GitaBooks]

Chickens are awesome, they make great pets, and are far safer than parrots, however, as stated above, birds can be dangerous to younger children. I have a friend who said her younger brother was nearly eaten alive by a flock of chickens and had to be taken to emergency room. They were all covering him and pecking at him at the same time and he was covered in wounds.

Don't let this horror story scare you, however, I love it when my hens jump up on by back or grab food out of my hands (sometimes grabbing me on accident). Different people work with animals in different ways, so find what works for you and your family and is still safe.