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Chicken toenails

Posted by johanna_h Z5 SW MI (My Page) on
Sat, Dec 6, 08 at 8:48

Do you cut them? Some of my 2-1/2 year old hens seem to have long nails. Others don't. Should I do anything about it?

--Johanna


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RE: Chicken toenails

Hi johanna,

Velvetsparrow has a good website for nail clipping

http://jackshenhouse.com/VSChickHealth.htm

It has a section in it regarding nail clipping

Nelda


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RE: Chicken toenails

I use a pair of dog toenail cutters. Some of my hens have certain toes that need trimming, some don't. I just check everyone's feet at least twice a year when I do their worming/dusting/health check/pedicures. :) Just clip off the tips of the claw, if it is WAY long, clip a bit, wait a week, clip a bit more, wait a week, etc. Doing it bit by bit helps the 'quick'--the live part of the nail--to recede a bit each time so you are less likely to cut into it.

Have some KwikStop (birdie anticoagulant, get it at the pet store) handy for any cuts that go too deep. If you can't get KwikStop, a bit of cornstarch works well, flour works too but not as well. If you do cause bleeding, make sure it gets stopped before leaving the chickens to go about their business.

Velvet ~:>


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