Trimming Vent Feathers

[warmfuzzies]

Oh, so how many do you trim. Like how far out from the vent? I had all fertile eggs from my cochins, but the rooseter wasn't cochin.

I didnt know you needed to do this either, but I wondered. My Buff has got a bunch of poop stuck all aroung hers, and it is getting worse. is that why? And how do I wash her up to trim them? It is really gross....

Sorry if I am sabatoging your thread.

 

[EmptyNest]

I trimmed out about an inch and a half on the roos and hens.

 

[speckledhen]

If I can, I pluck them out. The spikey lower feather that remains when cutting could be irritating to the birds during mating. If the feathers have poop in them, on occasion, I do cut them out. These Blue Orpingtons seem to need it from time to time. If you pluck, the feathers will grow back before the molt. I had a hard time finding the vent on my really fluffy Blue Orp hen, so it was no wonder her eggs were not fertile.

 

[EmptyNest]

I know what you mean - I was beginning to wonder if there was a vent back there

 

[needmorechickens!]

Oh wow, I plan to trim fluff today and I hope I don't have trouble finding it!

Doesn't it hurt when you pull the feathers out? Can the skin tear or anything? I'm scared to pull 'em out.

Can i do this by myself or am I gonna need some help?

~Rebecca

 

[rebecca10782]

Use eyebrow sizzors, I have a toy poodle and have to trim around that area. I am to scared to use large shears, so I use my itty bitty eyebrow trimmers and they work great

 

[needmorechickens!]

Quote:
Oh, good idea!
~Rebecca

 

[rebecca10782]

Yea, I use them around the eyes and muzzle and between the toes too

 

[EmptyNest]

It's much easier, safer and faster if you have someone to help - one to hold the chicken and one to do the trimming.

 

[needmorechickens!]

I announced to my DH that he will be the official restrainer while i trim chicken butts today...

he was thrilled (NOT)....

You should have seen his face...

~Rebecca