toe nails

[Kari Judith]

I have had a broody hen and when she got off her nest with her newly hatched chicks, I noticed she has a couple really long claws. She has been scratching the ground for the last couple weeks, but they are still long. Can we clip their nails, and how would we do it?

 

[DobieLover]

Can we clip their nails, and how would we do it?

Yes. With a heavy-duty pair of dog nail clippers. Just trim a little at a time to avoid hitting the quick.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I use a Dremel tool with the grinding head you use to cut metal. I wrap the chicken in a large towel covering the wings to immobilize it. Then I lay it down and grab the leg I'm working on. And grind the claw off flat.

The nail will have a quick in it. If you nick that quick it will bleed. If you see any blood, stop. Whatever you use you might want a little flour on hand to throw in it to stop the bleeding. I've never had to do that as the bleeding has been minimal but some people say they get one to bleed a fair amount.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Glad this was posted. I’ve been wondering do people clip chicken nails as you would a dog? Do they all need it or just when they’re too long?

 

[Ridgerunner]

Just when they are too long. Chickens usually wear them down and sharpen their claws when scratching but many of us have set-ups where they can't effectively do that so they may need to be clipped.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Just when they are too long. Chickens usually wear them down and sharpen their claws when scratching but many of us have set-ups where they can't effectively do that so they may need to be clipped.

Got it. Thank you.

 

[Loving my girls]

Oh wow !
Never even given any thought to toe nail manicures.
I’ve seen pictures of them being painted but this is a new angle on poultry beautification services.
I will check my girls tomorrow.
Hugz