Triming/Removing a rooster's spurs...

[mychookschick]

Ok... I have read up on this a bit and have some questions that I didn't find answers to.

1) If I haven't trimmed/removed my 2 yo roosters spurs before, is it safe to now?
2) What are the pros anc cons of trimming?
3) What are the pros and cons of removing?
4) What do you think is the best process to do either and why?

Like I already said, the rooster in questions is about 2 and he has approximately 3 inch long spurs.

I know that I had more questions so I will post them when I think of them... Thanks for all your helpful insight!

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
My spur management is limited to controlling the sharp point which is generally not a major problem unless it impedes walking. Once a spurs exceede 2.5" a hacksaw is used to cut so remaining base is only 3/4 to 1" long. Bleeding minimal although I cannot determine if bird actually is in pain duing process. It will grow another point in a year or so so process may need to be repeated.


Techniques where entire spur removes is like having your toenail ripped off so that has got to hurt and and lot more blood in involved. Ripping is easier though and a point will not regrow, at least a normal point.

 

[Pinky]

If your rooster free ranges, with no spurs he will not be able to protect himself if forced to fight for his life.

 

[enola]

One of the pros of trimming roosters spurs . . . . .fewer nasty cuts on your hens backs

 

[mychookschick]

Ok... I haven't had any cuts in my hens backs but I am worried that he might hurt them soon if I don't do something...

Pinky, from videos that I have watched and things that I have read, not the whole spur is removed... Just the outer layer. Do I have it mixed up??

Edited for grammar.

 

[Pinky]

Your right, but I was refering to trimming them, sorry should have said that. If you do trim them they will grow back so if you are worried about your hens I would trim them, or remove, but I don't think I could pull the spur off

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
I have not been able to attribute damage done to hens' backs to rooster spurs. The way copulation takes place spurs are free and clear of the hen. Damage may be due to too much attention by rooster(s) and feather loss caused by rooster's bill and standind in hens back.

 

[enola]

If the rooster's foot slips and he tries to hang on, the spur will definitely cause damage

 

[sawmane1]

The best thing to do is to boil a poatoe And when it it it still hot cut it in half and stick the spurs in it for 5 minutes give the spur a good twist and push and the spur should come rite off!

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
If damage occurs, then it is going to be counter productive for rooster compromising maternal qualities of one that provides for his offspring. Rooster thus should be making effort not to harm hen during mating. Potential can still be there but spurs more problem for me handling rooster than for hen.