AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Do you recommend the removal of spurs from roosters and also have you heard about the potato method and does it work? here are the instructions. Place a hot baked potato on the spur and hold it there for a few minutes. Remove the baked potato, twist the spur and you will find it comes right off.

I like my baked potato with sour cream, chives and cheese!

Seriously !!!
The hot potato method was one recommended many years ago, the idea was the heat cauterised the underlying vessels and allowed the spur to be twisted off without bleeding, it is not one commonly used.
The removal of spurs is at times recommended if the spurs are overly long , which can interfer with movement and mating or if they are particularly sharp and likely to cause damage to a child or adult alike.
The tipping or shortening with a saw or toe nail clipper is probably the most convenient method.
The shelling of spurs on a bantam is relatively easy to do, quick and has no detrimental effect on the bird, this method can be almost impossible on standard sized fowls as the spur is to big and strong to remove by a quick twist like is possible with a bantam.
The shortening of spurs is certainly a good idea if the fowl is agressive in any way , ie protecting his harem or if he just has an aggressive nature.The solution is only a precaution against injury and such fowls would be well considered for replacement as you don't want to have a fowl with any degree of aggression around children.

Thank you Oaklands very helpful

I have watched a demo on this and it works well just takes some practice do a google and you should find some videos

What variety of potato do you need?

Any variety that Petite Poulet would serve with chives and sour cream would do.
Maybe you can go around there for dinner.

Why would you bother? Very painful for the Rooster I would imagine. Use an angle grinder to cut them or a bench grinder to grind them down. Both methods cauterise as they go.

You're right Squeaker,
I think the method evolved before electricity and modern power tools.
These days there are far more effective and efficient methods and that is why it has fallen by the wayside.

And an angle grinder isn't painful ??????????