Mrs_B Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I'm so sure two of my chickens claws are a bit long than they should be, so when I brought them in for a wash in the sink and just finished blow drying them, I cut a very small amount (mm) using advice from this forum and other sites but the claw started bleeding right away (despite the vein inside the claw looking far enough away). So, my question is, if there is bleeding does that mean the claws don't need cutting? I am just sure they needed a small amount cut off as they have grown, but they have a lot to scratch around in including wood chip and dust baths to keep their claws down. Maybe I should just stop worrying so much. Thank you! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 They don't need cutting if they have access to the outside, or a run. If they are kept caged (not ideal) then they might. I never trim my hens claws. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 Thank you, Egluntyne. I think you are right, the hens' claws are probably perfectly fine and don't need cutting. I am just being my usual self with worrying too much! x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chucky Mama Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I agree with Egluntyne in that they don't need cutting. The bleeding confirms this Is there a particular reason why you are washing them and do you do this regularly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs_B Posted February 14, 2013 Author Share Posted February 14, 2013 I definitely feel like an OTT worrier now! I have washed the chickens a couple of times (maybe once every 3 weeks this winter?) because of the mess they have got themselves in when the rain has been terrible and they seem to like getting themselves dirty with mud. I also worry (there's that word again) about their feet in the mud as I want to make sure they don't catch any nasties. They are confined to an area and the ground's been covered and gets cleaned (Stalosan etc) but they still get dirty. I see pictures of people's chooks and they look soooo clean, even in this horrible weather and never seem to have a spot of mud, so I wonder if I am doing something wrong Or three of my chickens are white and any mark of dirt looks bad when in reality they are fine... x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackian Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I definitely feel like an OTT worrier now! x We are all OTT worriers believe me ! You do what you feel is best for your girls and your self ..I have washed mine when they have had poopy bums or a bath when one was not well but not their feet. I have no white ones for that reason I reckon . When people send pics they usually send a photo of them on their good side Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
good_egg Posted February 14, 2013 Share Posted February 14, 2013 I attack my girls bottoms with baby wipes when they are dirty! They seem to keep quite clean legs etc - maybe it's cos it's so wet here tht its like having a shower!! I need to clip Connies claws (she has curled outside toes that don't wear down) so am a bit scared now!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted February 15, 2013 Share Posted February 15, 2013 No claw trimming or chook washing here either. I have washed the odd dirty botty on occasion, but to be honest they hate it so much I tend to wait until it's crusty dry and then carefully snip out the offending feathers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
