Leicester_H Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 Hi I'm hoping to 'nurse'/pamper Boo (my elderly original chicken) through another winter. If its going to be cold at night, I put cat box in run, close eglu door. When she's asleep in box, I bring it into utility room for the night (she's on her own (but can see ex-bats in other run) and might get too cold). When I took her out today, I noticed her feet were very flat on the ground and her claws were a bit long and curved (will try for photo tomorrow). She's not really bothered about free-ranging - just wants the treat to lure her back into run! - so not much scratching around to wear claws. Do claws need cutting ? Can I do this or is it a vet job (do NOT want to over stress her but she is good when her feet need cleaning) Any advice will be gratefully received, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coco Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I have to do chickens claws occasionally. I use dog claw clippers but be very careful not to cut down too far or it will bleed lots. I tend to take a small amount off at a time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libby22 Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I agree with the above. I had to cut my girls' claws yesterday. Pepper had to be gently wrapped in a towel as she kept beating us all up We were quick as she was getting stressed. Just took tiny amounts off at a time and left them when I wasn't sure. You can see the pink quick in the claw, but I wasn't sure if it tapered down where you couldn't quite see, so didn't push my luck. Pickles is moulting at the moment and I really didn't want to stress her however, brought her in in the cat basket and put mealworms inside. I gently lifted her foot up and bless her, she let me clip her claws no trouble at all Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollyripkim Posted December 30, 2013 Share Posted December 30, 2013 I have a silkie with a sort of curled around long nail, I cut it once in my first season. Never again, it bled so much, lovely omlet people gave me advice and I had a bar of soap and Vaseline. She was fine but has had a long nail for the past few years and I think that is how it is going to stay as it doesn't bother her as much as it bothered me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted January 1, 2014 Author Share Posted January 1, 2014 Just took tiny amounts off at a time and left them when I wasn't sure. : How much is tiny amounts ? 1mm/2mm ?? Thanks all, H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
libby22 Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Literally 1mm at a time. They were very soft to cut, which I found surprising so no trouble in that respect. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted January 1, 2014 Share Posted January 1, 2014 Hold the chook under your arm with her facing backwards so you have the feet in your hand with soles uppermost and one hand free Hold the chook over a table lamp so the light souce is under her You will see that the end part of the claw is translucent and the bit nearest her feet is darker You can cut any of the translucent bit, If you cut in to the solid area it will bleed If you cant see which bit is which chances are that the thickest part of the claw is all solid but cut a little at a time if you arent sure Cut using pliers, dog nail trimmers or tin snips - dont use scissors or the claw will split If it bleeds use talc, vaseline or flour to stop the bleeding or dig the claw in to a bar of soap. It will be fine and will heal quickly so dont panic Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
