Hudson, Colorado. Also spurs can severely injure a hen during mating. . However, dog nail clippers can be used initially for birds with longer, thicker spurs. Also very small. It looks like another toe (if you will) and usually has a slight arch. Grab a hold of a chicken. Hey there! Welcome to The Happy Chicken Coop YouTube channel. There's a great article posted on the BYC somewhere. Now it's time to start a new thread in the Flock Management section to learn how to rehab the rooster. Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. I think he was about 10 months old but can't remember for sure. Forums. New posts Search forums. I watched one video of a guy using a grinder. After every snip, inspect the cut end of the nail. The spur has a quick. Both spurs have been removed, you can see them laying on the floor next to the legs. The spurs will grow larger, harden, and may start to curve with age. Apply gentle pressure and move the grinder back and forth until the point of the spur is dulled. The optimal ratio for roosters to hens is one rooster to every 10 hens. Rooster spurs are just like a human nail or a dogs claws. A silkie rooster will also grow between 8 and 14 inches, but it’s more likely than the hen to reach the higher measurement. This sounds weird, but it’s an actual method called the potato method. If taping, use medical tape, bandaids or vet wrap if possible. How to Trim Rooster Spurs . File them off with something like a Dremel tool. WE are the alfas!I think rooster spurs are one of those things that just keeps on growing and growing and growing if not trimmed/broken off, so I imagine that they get pretty long after a while. . I read to trim them at the base or leave just ¼" so he doesn't bleed to death. . By that age, cockerels will have long and pointy saddle feathers, while a hen. Though we're going to get a Dremmel to make it quicker and easier. Please see attached photo with website. 6. Use some hydrogen peroxide and give them a good scrub with the toothbrush. A second set of hands~until you get the hang of it. Credit on the vet video @drtrentshrader . Let him settle, then take your flashlight and hold it beging his spurs, shining it through the spur. This can lead to infections, cuts, and other injuries. or is there a precise length. A spur that curls back into the bird’s leg must be trimmed to prevent lameness. If you need to trim your roosters spurs, you can clip the tips and use a nail grinder to blunt them. Forums. With a partner holding the chicken securely, hold the foot firmly in one hand, isolating the toenail to be trimmed and the nail clippers in the other. They should calm down a bit after some secure, gentle holding. Thanks to anyone in advance!Carefully insert the spur into the potato making sure that you do not touch the leg with the potato to keep from burning the chicken. You will need a sharp pair of cutters to cut them, large dog nail clippers like these are ideal, or tool shops sometimes sell almost identical round wire cutters. For remove I have heard that you can stick baked potato onto his spurs and then leave it on for such and such a time and then pull it off. You can trim them to just before the quick. If you have a young, inexperienced male, or if you have too few hens for your rooster, the hens’ backs may be scratched by the rooster’s spurs. . Hi, I’m trying to cut my roosters spurs with a dog nail clipper, but he moves way to much and it looks like it really hurts him. Then, kneel on the ground so there’s a space between your legs. My Buff rooster is a little aggressive towards men and tried to go after my grown son, who put up his foot in defense to keep from getting spurred. 5-2" from the leg. Both Hens and Roos. There's a great article posted on the BYC somewhere. I remove them with the pliers, twist slightly back and forth until you see the spur loosen at the base, then simply lift them off the nub. Then once the spur is trimmed the first time there is never a chance that. . Rooster spurs start from a spur bud on the leg located just above the back claw. Your rooster’s spurs start growing from a spur bud on their leg little up to the back claw. 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). This can be done by gently twisting the spur until it pops off. The main culprit in removing the feathers and the cutting is their claws, not the spurs, but spurs can cut so it doesn't hurt to trim them if there is anything to trim. I have been recently researching ways to trim down rooster spurs. It's been a long hard winter and I notice especially on one of my hens, that her toenails on one foot are getting remarkably and painfully long. You can trim it like you would a dog/cat nail, slowly and carefully and watch for the quick. Sounds like you have done the right thing, chickenmomma2. I usually use my dog toenail clippers with the gauge to trim my roosters spurs, set on about 1/8" cut. We've always cut the spur but sometimes got too close and it bled. It's generally a pretty old rooster but occasionally an old hen will run into these problems. Sometimes the old methods are best. For RoRo, we dremmeled the spur down as far as we could to. New posts Search forums. A safe way to trim a spur is to simply remove the sharp tip. By: Search Advanced search…My Rooster is very gentle. I've also seen the great pick and mix disaster where the keeper has got a rooster that is a different breed to the hens and much to large to be mating the much smaller hens. What's new. These spurs are part of the leg bone and are covered in keratin. Spurs are dangerous to other chickens and humans. You can place a cloth bag or a t shirt over his head while you trim to calm him down. Here’s how to stop a broody hen. Place the rolled up rooster between the legs, his feet poking out the. Just wash it well and dry it. Hmmmm, I have no clue. There is a quick in there that if you cut it, it will bleed. Secure their toe with your thumb and forefinger to hold it still. New posts New media New articles New media comments New article comments New profile posts Latest activity New showcase items. Articles. Roosters have the spurs to protect their hens, chickens and themselves against any. You take a pair pf pliers and grasp the spur firmly, then twist it quickly. Some “cockers” cut off the birds’ spurs, which are the natural bony protrusions on the legs, so that more deadly, artificial. ) The spur will grow back but the boney. Roosters will fight each other to determine and maintain the pecking order. I tried to completely blunt it with a Dremel but it bled and that type of bleeding is VERY difficult to stop. Its an "outgrowth of the legbone" but doesnt really mean it is a bone or attached to the bone. Trimming rooster spurs when they are still young can. Today I went out to take care of my flock. There is no reason to let him t. they are quite tame but you never know. Then, kneel on the ground so there’s a space between your legs. 1. Have someone hold the rooster and flip him over onto his back. Skip to contentHow short can you cut a Roosters spurs? Be careful not to trim too much off the spur. If it changes color, you’re getting too close to the quick. Make sure to file down the. Removing them is often seen as the only solution, but it’s not the best one when you consider the ethical implications. I keep him separated from the hens but now all the hens are of age and wanted to put him with them. New posts Search forums. Before (left photo) and after (right photo) Roro's spurs were trimmed. New posts New media New articles New media comments New article comments New profile posts Latest activity New showcase items New showcase comments. Spurs may be trimmed to prevent injury to the bird’s handlers, to prevent the wounding of hens during breeding and to minimize injury in peck-order fights. Will try that next time. Repeat this process on the other spur. A spur is a part of your rooster’s leg bone, so it’s a bit like a bone outgrowth. New posts Search forums. 1. Huh. I invite you to learn, laugh and experience with me. But if I piss him off, no favor is given to him or me. As a general answer, chickens can have fully grown spurs anywhere between the ages of 3-9 months. Then just round off with emory board or sandpaper. Mar 19, 2010 212 13 114 SE Missouri. Trimming and buffing the spurs 2-3 times a year, checking the feet for bumblefoot or injury, checking the scales on the legs for scaly leg mite, and administering meds and vitamins. Trimming roosters spurs is easy with some basic tools. Many people recommend just pulling the spurs out with some pliers. I have let my roosters' spurs grow out in the past, and have found that they are not really useful as they can tear up a hen's back, and one rooster damaged. In hens, this bump normally stays dormant throughout their lives. Take the pliers and twist the spur to one side and then to the other side. Take the potato from the microwave and stick it to your rooster spur carefully, ensuring that it does not touch the leg. They have a light arch and look like other toes. I've probably done this three times in my life, it is not something I do on a regular basis. thanks for any help . Trimming spurs is very common and most easily accomplished with the use of a Dremmel tool and cut off wheel. They looked like daggers sticking out of his legs and I was afraid he could puncture one of the girls when he mates them. A drill with a cutting disc would work too. Step 2: Start at the pointed end and cut off 1/4″ at a time, until you reach a point approximately 3/4″ to 1″ from the leg. Dog How to Trim a Rooster’s Spurs Trimming a rooster’s spurs can be a difficult task, but it is important in order to keep the bird safe and comfortable. W. How soon can you tell if you have a rooster? When sexing most juveniles, the best, most fail-safe method is to look at the saddle feathers in front of the tail when the bird is about 3 months old. You’ll need cornstarch or blood-stop powder and pliers to remove rooster spurs. Let me do a search - hopefully I'll find it and post the link. So when the spur comes back, it is immediately sharp. Removing. I find it's easier to lay the rooster on it's back on your lap and take a pair of dog toenail clippers and trim the Spurs until they start to bleed and it takes a while for them to grow back I only have to cut my roosters Spurs like 4 times a year. Filing. Castrating a rooster stops the production of testosterone. To me in those circumstances it is more important to trim the claws. How far can you cut a rooster’s spurs? The rooster spur can be trimmed with a saw, but it is important to not cut more than one third of the spur off. Also inspect for any cuts, broken toes, bumble foot, and also scaly leg mites that might require attention. Faceb. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures. You can remove spurs from your rooster’s leg by trimming, filing, clipping, removing the keratin and preventing the growth of spurs when the rooster is still young (a chick). Ensure that the hot potato doesn’t come into contact with. The potato must be re-heated for the second spur, as you leave it on the spur for about a minute. His spurs are wide, thick and super-pointed. 5 inches. A little trim and filing go a long way, but it’s keeping the bird still that can be the challenge. . As roosters get older, their spurs grow longer, and some can become very sharp and pointed, causing damage to the. 3. How do I. New posts Search forums. Let me do a search - hopefully I'll find it and post the link. Crusty. You can use pliers or specialized spur cutters, being gentle and avoiding damage to the rooster’s legs. Remember to handle roosters with care, wear protective gear, and. To twist off a spur, grasp the base of the spur near the shank with a pair of needle nose pliers and gently, and patiently, rotate the pliers back and forth for about 60 seconds until the spur pops free. You're supposed to stop before they bleed. Poultry Talk Ontario (pto. To clip your rooster’s spurs, hold him wrapped in a towel, just like if you were filing his spurs. 86K subscribers Subscribe 152 65K views 7 years ago. Spurs on chickens are quite hard and very sharp. His spurs are pretty long and Very hard. The following steps can be followed to trim rooster spurs: Hold the rooster securely to prevent it from moving or injuring itself. he. Mostly, spurs in roosters start with a bump that eventually grows to become a spur. And trim your rooster’s spurs 😳 If it became a neurotic, every day thing - sure, consider your. Typically, it’s mostly roosters that grow spurs. Examine each foot. By then they are tough, and take a dremel to cut. What's new. If it changes color, you’re very close to the quick and should stop trimming. Twisting off the outer sheath with a pair of pliers does work, but there is still a "spur" underneath. I use dog clippers to trim my roosters spurs. First, you will need to gather a pair of poultry shears, a piece of wood, and. 1. Jul 24, 2022. Better are horse nippers. How To Trim Rooster Spurs (Easily) One way to trim a rooster’s spurs is to roll the rooster in a towel, chicken feed bag or even a sweater to gently restrain him. A rooster spur is a pointy, mean-looking, clawlike growth on the leg of a rooster. just wondering if i could trim my roosters spurs, file them down, or completley remove them. Using the pliers, twist the spur slowly in one direction, then in the opposite direction. However, dog nail clippers can be used initially for birds with longer, thicker spurs. Rooster spurs become effective weapons for protecting a flock from predators and defending territory. Australorp Rooster Spurs are bony growths that develop on the lower legs of mature roosters. Each time you snip, take a look at the remaining nail. I heard you can clip your roosters spurs so he cant hurt anyone, is this true? Forums. Written by Chris Lesley Updated: June 2, 2023 A rooster’s spurs are an essential part of their life in the wild. Secure their toe with your thumb and forefinger to hold it still. New posts Search forums. Read More » Keeping Chickens. Leave the potato on for 2-3 minutes. Since the dremmel can be noisy. But this sounds like an isolated incident where the rooster was doing what roosters do, protecting. This roo was hatched in march,. Do I trim or cut off? How do you do it? Forums. What you are describing sounds like what my roo was left with when I was finished. If you have a flock of backyard chickens. You will also need a styptic powder or pencil to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut too deep. I think it hurt me more than him, but it did bleed quite a bit--stopped pretty quickly though, all I had to do was dab at it with paper towels. Must have missed the second ok! I am wondering how people feel about removing spurs. When I cut them I just let them bleed. Trimming helps protect your rooster and keeps you and your family safe as well as your hens!! In this video we quickly go o er how to do it!! #homesteaders #. If the vein is nicked and bleeds, immediately dip the nail in styptic powder and hold gentle pressure on it with a paper towel until bleeding stops. To avoid snipping into the quick, trim a tiny bit at a time — no more than about one-eighth inch. The average silkie hen may grow between 8 and 14 inches and will reach a top weight of 3lbs or just slightly under. And like your fingernails, it has a quick that is directly attached to the leg bone. In hens, this bump normally stays dormant throughout their lives. 13K views 2 years ago. This is how we trim the spurs of our roosters. If you’re looking to permanently remove the spur then it would be time to consult your vet. This can be done by gently twisting the spur until it pops off. Just like pet claws, rooster spurs can be trimmed via clipping. In order to keep our roosters healthy and keep our hens safe from being injured while mating we remove the roosters spurs when they get too long. Preventions Preventing beak and nail trimming is quite simple. We can miss the damage from spurs as the wings can cover up sore and torn skin. Trimming Spurs Tools Needed and How to Trim Safely. Then clip the spurs off with a sharp tool. Since the dremmel can be noisy, some birds may do better with help from the nail clippers. What's new. Cut just above it, then file the edges to a rounded nub. Hi everyone! I have some silkies that I'm going to be breeding in the near future to raise and sell chicks. These spurs serve various purposes, from establishing dominance to defending against predators and rival roosters. Amazingly, you can also find this material on large animals. First, use a pair of pliers to gently twist the spur until the point is facing upwards. Be sure to select a set of clippers large enough to fit around the spur; the sharper the clippers, the more quickly the procedure will go. Permanent spur removal is possible but, as bone is involved, surgery is involved and it can be costly . He is starting to develop his spurs. The spurs and the toenails are a lot like yours. Here is a youtube video. People who do this say. . It was recommended by a veterinarian last year to start trimming the spurs after the cockerel is one year old, when the spurs start to grow more, and keep trimming little at a time as the spurs grow so that way the spurs never get too long. You’re probably wondering, does he really need those?And, if not, how do I de-spur my rooster?Well, the answers a. The legs should be in the crotch of the undies and the feet should be out, or just as well in the case of a small chick. Grab hold of your rooster and wrap it in a towel or blanket to immobilize it, leaving one leg exposed. Take the potato from the microwave and stick it to your rooster spur carefully, ensuring that it does not touch the leg. . My family have had chickens for 40+ years and have never had to trim spurs, but aside from culling Olaf that would be our only option to protect the other hens. What happens if you try to trim the spur in the spur after you remove. )Seeking vet assistance: If a spur seems infected, or if you’re unsure how to trim or file a rooster’s spurs, seek assistance from a vet. The spur is covered in a hard layer (similar to that of a beak). They will continue to grow as the rooster matures with age. Where, if you trim the spurs by cutting or clipping, you leave a blunt end. Hens can have spurs, but rooster spurs are much larger than their female counterparts, and maintaining them is part of good rooster care. You can trim, twist off, or glue beads on them. It’s thick and sharp and develops after the roosters reach their sexual maturity. Ana Hotaling. Or the spurs grow in a way to interfere with the chicken walking. This video looked too good to be true. i am planning on getting more chicks and since i am getting bantams some of them will be straight run. I have a rooster with spurs growing up towards his bottom. Most often however each time a spur grows back, it is smaller than the time before. Just like with filing, be careful not to cut into the portion of the spur that has blood flow and bone. The heat from the wheel usually cauterizes the root, but if bleeding occurs, pressure on the spot will stop it in a few minutes. The following steps can be followed to trim rooster spurs: Hold the rooster securely to prevent it from moving or injuring itself. Please see attached photo with website. He also only sired 6 chicks out of dozens of eggs I tried to hatch. Your rooster can bleed to death. As for the toenails trim them as you would a dogs toenails being careful to avoid the blood vein or core on the inside. . I have never used those caps so I can't comment on them. . Surgical removal of rooster spurs applies to adult roosters with abnormal or. I lost a hen earlier this year to a laceration on her side and what I now believe to be caused by my rooster. It’s a male chicken that has been intentionally castrated before reaching sexual maturity and fed a special diet to improve the taste and texture of its meat. However, the proper way to remove the spur (as I have been taught) is to hold the rooster by both legs in one hand and with the other hand and a pair of pliers, twist the spur gently as if unscrewing it. This will cause a. In roosters, the bump starts to develop as they age. Forums. People who do this say their boys act just f. Selecting the right breed and setting up a. Spurs do have a "core" and improper removal can cause pain and bleeding so keep this in mind with whatever method you decide to. Spurs can also curl back on themselves, causing damage to a rooster’s own legs. Ridgerunner, I'm not sure if I have the metal cutting wheel, but I'm trying to steel myself up for the task. Spur!!! The pointed weapon of Mr. A unique rooster in a flock may be deprived of spurs. I guess he's pretty gentle with the hens, I've not had injuries from him. . There is a blood supply to the spur but that is locted closer to the foot. Your rooster’s spurs would most likely grow back again after some time – say six weeks, give or take. my roos are starting to grow their spurs and a couple of them are getting pointed and hurting the hens. Permanent spur removal is possible but, as bone is involved, surgery is involved and it can be costly. . Head protrudes from one end, feet the other. If the spurs of a personable rooster aren’t causing any problems, I would advise to leave them alone. This is painful, and abuse imo. The end of the nail will be thinner and often curved. However, proper breeding management and introduction of new birds can help minimize potential harm. Jan 26, 2022. Search titles only By: Search Advanced search…Or to take spurs out. Turn the rooster over on his back with someone holding him. At the end of this bonelike structure is an extremely sharp point. And like your fingernails, it has a quick that is directly attached to the leg bone. During mating, the rooster inserts one of the prongs, known as the. It looks like another toe (if you will) and usually has a slight arch. Nope, he should know that you, as the keeper, are not a threat. I followed the directions of using a hot potato. No you can't remove them permanent. If you want to trim her spurs, then use a dremel with a cut off wheel. Spurs can also curl back on themselves, causing damage to a rooster’s own legs. Golden Lace Wyandotte roosters have spurs after they are around a year-old. It can still hurt a hen when he is breeding her. I saw the video here for removing the spur sheath. File them off with something like a Dremel tool. Here are a few to consider. . The answer is learn how to handle the rooster, not cut his spurs off. . #5. Keep in mind that roosters have a quick, and it will bleed if you cut into it. Rudy and Judy are mascots that live in the store. Sometimes I clip the very tip. Chickens often go into a calm state while their heads are. Trimming rooster’s spurs is easy enough, yet strangely I get a lot of people ask me how to trim rooster spurs. Quote: I let my roosters keep their spurs if they have them. CathrynI have noticed lately that my older rooster Napoleon's spurs are extremely long and curving up and inward. Step 1: Catch your roo and hold firmly. Holding the leg with one hand, grasp the spur with the pliers and gently twist slightly in a clockwise motion, then turn back in a counterclockwise motion. I have several hens with spurs, and occasionally, the spurs grow curving towards the shank. CUDA has a great article on his website. Expert Response. That can grow into the leg and cause a wound. The Stuffed Hen. Hold a clean piece of lintless cloth or gauze over the wound. Put him back and revisit next weekend. What should I do? He is a bantam and they are growing into his leg. Use some. It's just a matter of semantics, you both are correct. I just trimmed the very end off - I shone a torch through and could see how close the quick was growing. Then, carefully insert the shears into the spur tip and cut off the sharp point in one snip. Filing: If you prefer to take the edge off or blunt your rooster’s spurs, filing may be the method you prefer. They can provide professional help and guidance to ensure the rooster’s well-being. Poultry Talk Ontario (pto. Sheath Removal. The heat cauterizes the blood vessels. As it matures, Mr. Once the second spur is removed, dust both with cornstarch or. Heat a potato in the microwave for about 10 minutes until it is fully cooked. Recent searches (0) At Home; Education; For Parents; Best Buys; Days Out; Meet the Team; About Us; Our NewsletterTrimming your chickens vent feathers takes only a few minutes and is time well spent. I have got to catch my roo and do this. If you use the potato method, remember to be careful to not touch the potato to the rooster’s leg.