I was given 6 hens and a rooster (buff orpingtons) by a very good friend of mine who has a very large flock, and they were being gracious by thinning theirs down and helping me establish mine. I've got a mix bag of ages, and I believe the oldest hen is 2 years old and the youngest was born this spring (as was my rooster). I assume its one of the older hens, has exceedingly long outter toenails. To the point where her toes are spread awkwardly apart (I'm talking the toenail is probably close to 1.5" long). She gets along fine on roost or on ground. I noticed another hen is missing a toenail entirely.
My question is: Should I do a group grooming session and clip? They're acclimating in my coop currently, because I just got them on Saturday, but they will be in a 20'x5' tractor most days, and occasionally free ranging beyond the fence restraint (supervised only). I assumed that chickens scratch enough to wear down their talons/toenails, but I'm seeing some really gnarly nails.
Do I trim? If yes, what do I trim them with? Any advice is welcome, thank you!
My question is: Should I do a group grooming session and clip? They're acclimating in my coop currently, because I just got them on Saturday, but they will be in a 20'x5' tractor most days, and occasionally free ranging beyond the fence restraint (supervised only). I assumed that chickens scratch enough to wear down their talons/toenails, but I'm seeing some really gnarly nails.
Do I trim? If yes, what do I trim them with? Any advice is welcome, thank you!
