Hi All, I'm Tricia, a newbee. I just got 7 hens, their toenails are very long, it looks like they were cage kept. They are curling real bad. Does anyone know how much can be trimmed at a time? Does the quick grow as the nail does? Sorry for so many questions, I have never had this problem for my others are able to scratch. Thanks for helping
VERY long toenails
you can look under them and pretty much see how much to cut like a dogs nail. keep some stiptic close by just in case you over do
Hi Tricia - yes the quick does grow as the nail grows. When the nails are light color, you can usually see the quick inside them. Once you start trimming regularly, the quick should move backwards slowly and they'll get back to normal length. Sometimes the quick is easier to see if you use a good flashlight. For birds with really long nails, I tend to wrap them in a towel for the procedure so they can't flap about as much - easier for them and for me. Then I can use the flashlight if I need it. I agree with keeping styptic powder or other blood stopping agents nearby. Go a tiny bit at a time if you can't see the quick and you'll see a slight change to the look of the inside when you are getting close - it won't be white and chalky - it will start to have a soft looking middle. Stop then. Good luck with it! Claire
You know another reason for clipping is to keep them from having arthritis. I have friends in the animal science field and I recently bought/rescued long nailed chickens. She said it makes them walk differently and puts pressure on their joints. Same as a dog.
George
Could we get some foot shots going? I'm wondering what is considered long vs. normal. My girl's nails look longish, but they don't curve, curl, or look like they effect the way they walk. I'd just be interested in some sort of photo comparison.
I will take some from my new local "rescue" hens that I got - they are WAY long and haven't had time to trim everybody's nails yet. I'll take some pictures of those that I consider bad (too long) compared to normal.
LOL.....this could get funny. Please show pre-pedicure and post-pedicure photos. Do you buff and polish as well???? Is there that fancy airbrushing available???? :)
(I was going to ask the same question, as I'm not sure my girls have "long" nails or not....)