http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MgRmPuAEr6A
My roo's behavior first thing in the morning has become very animated and kind of aggressive. It's kinda funny to me, but it makes me want to watch him for awhile till he calms down and make sure he isn't too rough on his girls. He does try to mate with them, but also have seen him peck at them, not sure what that's about.
Have made sure to pick him (& the hens) up a lot and carry him around for a while, sit on the swing holding him while he just looks around (cute), he'll even crow while I'm sitting there holding him. Today I was looking at his feed and noticing his spurs are still nubs, but longer nubs and started wondering about trimming the sharp points off his nails, but can't tell how much could really be cut safely (unlike dogs, cats and bunnies that I'm used to trimming) , so I started researching it. Figured it's probably good to start with his nails, so he will get used to this type of handling.. and then found this video showing a poultry judge.
I'd originally thought the hot potato method would be a good way, but then recently read that it 'draws' blood to the area and can be bloody and I don't want that.
This video makes it look fairly easy and straightforward. What surprised me was seeing the still pretty long (but soft) spurs underneath which is probably tender and raw till it hardens up. I figured there would just be a "nub" similar to the one my Roo has now. So that was educational.
Anyone use this method? Any thoughts? Do you prefer a different method? Pros and cons?
My roo's behavior first thing in the morning has become very animated and kind of aggressive. It's kinda funny to me, but it makes me want to watch him for awhile till he calms down and make sure he isn't too rough on his girls. He does try to mate with them, but also have seen him peck at them, not sure what that's about.
Have made sure to pick him (& the hens) up a lot and carry him around for a while, sit on the swing holding him while he just looks around (cute), he'll even crow while I'm sitting there holding him. Today I was looking at his feed and noticing his spurs are still nubs, but longer nubs and started wondering about trimming the sharp points off his nails, but can't tell how much could really be cut safely (unlike dogs, cats and bunnies that I'm used to trimming) , so I started researching it. Figured it's probably good to start with his nails, so he will get used to this type of handling.. and then found this video showing a poultry judge.
I'd originally thought the hot potato method would be a good way, but then recently read that it 'draws' blood to the area and can be bloody and I don't want that.
This video makes it look fairly easy and straightforward. What surprised me was seeing the still pretty long (but soft) spurs underneath which is probably tender and raw till it hardens up. I figured there would just be a "nub" similar to the one my Roo has now. So that was educational.
Anyone use this method? Any thoughts? Do you prefer a different method? Pros and cons?