how to trim roosters spurs

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Sat Aug 01, 2009 11:35 pm

hello,

as I have never felt the need to trim roosters spurs before now, I am wanting some advice about how to do it, whether to file them back after trimming, and how far to trim them back.

thanks in advance

Julie

leghornz · **Posted:** Sun Aug 02, 2009 6:25 am

i use a 4 inch angle grinder with a 1mm blade you have to be very carefull not to cut a toe off i havnt yet touch wood i cut them right back to about 15 mm

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:20 am

thanks leghorn, but I still have a fear of angle grinders, I am not confident to use one on a live rooster,could be a bit messy :shock:

I have been told to use sharp secateurs, but should I file them afterwards?

b&p · **Posted:** Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:01 pm

I take mine off with large dog nail clippers.Bit of condy's crystals on them after to stop bleeding.

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Sun Aug 02, 2009 5:33 pm

OK, thanks for that

Tiger · **Posted:** Mon Aug 03, 2009 11:20 am

Hi Julie,
I had a situation last year where I purchased a trio and had them running together. I did my usual routine of trimming the vent feathers and trimming the spurs and toe nails with dog nail clippers (didn't need to do the toenails in this case). Although the cockerel seemed to be working well I was disappointed with the amount of eggs I was receiving. I was handling the pullets one day and noticed that the cockerel had almost cut them in half. The wounds were hidden under the feathers and the pullets had not shown any serious signs of distress other than poor production. Anyway, I immediately separated the cockerel and treated the pullets and gave them the rest of the season off. I spoke to a few experienced people about this issue and was told to take the spurs right back to a few millimetres long with a hacksaw. Nasty for chook and operator and quite difficult to do on your own. I am going to try a sharp set of pincers next time like a smaller version of horse hoof cutters. I think they would be safe and cut neatly and quickly. The remaining spur will still require filing to remove any sharp edges. There will be blood and you should consider controlling that before you start. Also, trimming the toe nails is almost as important as the spurs, I suggest using dog nail clippers and a nail file.
Unfortunately it is one of those procedures everyone hates doing to their pets but is neccessary for the safety of the others.
Finally, with any procedure like this I like to use some disinfectant to treat my equipment before I start so as to minimise any infections. I find betadine (or any other brand of), 10% povidone-iodine solution is a great product for soaking my equipment in before use. It doesn't sting when in contact with broken skin because it is pretty much isotonic (similar salt balance) and has great antiseptic properties. Most produce stores (and probably chemists) sell it in small containers. One caution, don't use it if you are hypersensitive or allergic to iodine.

b&p · **Posted:** Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:49 pm

Not sure what sort of dog nail clippers you were using Tiger but the guillotine type are rubbish. If the spur is taken off right back as I do than you are only left with a few mm's anyway because the clippers won't go back any further....a hell of a lot faster and safer than a hacksaw blade.Also no need to file anything.

I use the type pictured which can be picked up easily and reasonably priced almost anywhere. This pr are on vet-n-pet direct.

Condy's also act as an antiseptic and "seal" the wound.Pick them up from some chemists for about $8 in a small container that will last ages.Be aware condy's stains fingers and clothes brown though.Been using them for about 25yrs on bleeding dogs nails.

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Tue Aug 04, 2009 7:39 am

thanks Tiger and bp,
I know it's something I am going to have to do,,,,,,,may need to get the family involved in this one

regards

Julie

Tiger · **Posted:** Tue Aug 04, 2009 9:47 am

Yeah b&p I agree totally about the hacksaw and I wouldn't advise anyone to try it, I think I said that.

I was thinking of the guilotine type of clippers and they won't even fit far enough over the spurs on my large roosters. What thickness can your pictured version cut through?

Condy's crystals is good in solution as an antiseptic and wound cleanser but in the crystal state it burns.

julie at serenity · **Posted:** Wed Aug 05, 2009 6:17 pm

b&p wrote:

Condy's also act as an antiseptic and "seal" the wound.

When I used to show dogs, I had a type of pencil which you could rub on a dogs nail if it was bleeding, it was very effective, I just can't remember the name of it :cry:

BTW, how many chook folk used to show dogs? it seems there are a few of us around

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