julia55 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 My batts need to have a good nail trim. I am borrowing some dog nail clippers and wonder if anyone has any tips on how to go about it. Never had to do it before and after once having an very bad experience whilst cutting poo from my rabbit's bottom don't want to do something wrong... p.s the rabbit was fine just didn't have a bob any more !!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fluffyknickers Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I didnt know you had to cut them - learn something new every day! Or is it just ex-batts that need doing? Michelle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 Generally, chickens shouldn't need their claws clipping, and most ex-batteries should have them done before they are re-homed. The only exception is when show birds are kept on deep litter and can't wear their claws down. Please be very careful if you do do it - the quick extends very far down the nail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saracook31 Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I had to clip Florences nails when we first got her, they were so long it made walking even harder for her! I used dog clippers, the guillotine type i think they're called. Its easiest with two people, my partner held her while i held her feet towards the light, this helps you see the quick which gives you a guide how much to cut off. Just don't cut to close to this & you should be fine! If you speak to the rescue organiser they might be able to give you more advice... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
julia55 Posted June 16, 2009 Author Share Posted June 16, 2009 I wouldn't want to do it as a rule but one of the ex batts has a nail which seems to be very long and turning inwards. Would you be tempted just to leave it then and hope that it scuffs down once she's wandered around on hard standing for a while. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 If it's making it difficult for her to get around, then it will need clipping. Otherwise, I'd just leave it and keep an eye on the situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peaches Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 We used dog nail clippers on our girls as the nails were so long (ex-batts). OH held the girls and I did the clipping - I was actually terrified. I did accidentally cut the quick on one claw and it bled . However, once they were up and free-ranging it was amazing how quickly their nails wore down and we never had to do it again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted June 16, 2009 Share Posted June 16, 2009 I would leave alone if you can. If they look like they may ingrow then perhaps just nip off a small amount. Nails do bleed like stink if you cut the quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tooties Posted June 17, 2009 Share Posted June 17, 2009 when i got my ex-batts, one of them had obviously missed the nail clipping. I found it easier to wrap her in a towel, get someone to hold her and then trim the nail. Don't go too short, as someone has said, once they start free ranging they do wear down a bit, but I'd trim a little off now if you can (as my girl began limping poss due to the long nail). I didn't have a problem triming, but I saw a post on this site that said to keep some flour nearby to stem the bleeding if you did manage to cut the quick by accident. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
