Expert Response. 10 Years. At the end of this bonelike structure is an extremely sharp point. Cocks endure significant physical trauma due to the spurs. Rooster spurs are sharp, claw-like outgrowths on the back of each rooster's legs. God Bless. Some bleeding can occur, make sure you have blood stop powder to stop the bleeding. U can trim them as shown in YouTube videos some use some cutters some use potatoes method. Place the rolled up rooster between the legs, his feet poking out the. This can be done by gently twisting the spur until it pops off. Written by Chris Lesley Updated: June 2, 2023 A rooster’s spurs are an essential part of their life in the wild. After all, spurs are a natural part of a rooster’s anatomy, so it would be unfair to remove them just because we find them inconvenient. The silkie rooster will also weigh between 2 and 4lbs,. A dremmel is the ideal tool to use. Does removing rooster spurs hurt? A safe way to trim a spur is to simply remove the sharp tip. Totally your call. Hudson, Colorado. I have a wonderful rooster named Duke whos spurs are getting very long and pointy lol. Credit on the vet video @drtrentshrader . I wrap the bird around the wings with a large towel or sheet and lay it down, always holding on to the foot. I think he was about 10 months old but can't remember for sure. The following steps can be followed to trim rooster spurs: Hold the rooster securely to prevent it from moving or injuring itself. However, some hens may have spurs, although not as large as those of a rooster. The rooster ended up hitting his steel toed boot so hard that his spur completely broke off and was bleeding really badly from it. In this article, we’ll go over. 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. No you can't remove them permanent. Here’s how. 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. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. 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. I followed the directions of using a hot potato. We can miss the damage from spurs as the wings can cover up. I would check the rooster spurs and trim them. November 6, 2022. A rooster’s spurs are a vital a part of their life within the wild. I've trimmed one beak. This is called the ‘quick. The way I take care of that is to use a Dremel tool with one of those discs you use to cut metal. 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. trimming a rooster's nails and spurs To prevent injuries to hens (and humans too if rooster is aggressive)In this video is my 1 year old Barnevelder rooster. Faceb. Spurs are among the main differences between a hen and a rooster. "My older rooster is over 2 and he is getting large spurs. The main goal is to take the sharp tip down so that the rooster won't hurt the hens or himself when he walks or worse, stab someone or another rooster by flogging. Roosters will fight each other to determine and maintain the pecking order. Examine each foot. This video looked too good to be true. A step-by-step guide to hatching eggs with a broody hen. Work gently and hold the leg still while you’re trying to remove the spurs. I did this two nights in a row. Rooster spurs start from a spur bud on the leg located just above the back claw. 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. Hold the roosters wings close to its body to keep him calm. But when I added a mature rooster to my existing flock that already. (Don't squeeze so hard that you crack it. Step 3 - Use the alcohol to sterilize the rooster's feet. My main target was to blunt the toenails (claws) because of the damage the claws were doing to the hen’ feathers. You're supposed to stop before they bleed. You can place a cloth bag or a t shirt over his head while you trim to calm him down. 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. Left untrimmed, rooster spurs can reach lengths that could become harmful to hens and, should a rooster have aggressive tendencies, to its owners. The rooster spur can be trimmed with a saw, but it is important to not cut more than one third of the spur off. Will rooster spurs grow back? Your rooster’s spurs would most likely grow back again after some time – say six weeks, give or take. My rooster had very long and curved spurs - he struggles to walk and cannot sit down properly but lies on his side. His spurs are wide, thick and super-pointed. Let me do a search - hopefully I'll find it and post the link. Free Ranging. Spurs may be trimmed to prevent injury to the bird’s handlers, to prevent the wounding of hens during breeding, to minimize injury in peck-order fights, and to spruce up an older cock for exhibition. Here will be the instructions to trim nails, beaks, spurs and dub your chickens comb, earlobes and wattles. The heat from the wheel usually cauterizes the root, but if bleeding occurs, pressure on the spot will stop it in a few minutes. 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. Step 2 - Give the rooster’s feet, legs, and spurs a good wash. 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. . How do you splint a chicken toe? Toes can be splinted with toothpicks or coffee stirrers, or taped into place on a piece of cardboard cut to the birds foot size. 6. A rooster’s spurs will typically start visibly showing development by no later than 7 or 8 months of age. It is a good idea to trim roosters spurs to keep them short, every so often. (Don't squeeze so hard that you crack it. Avoid cutting the quick, which is the blood vessel that runs through the spur. The end of the nail will be thinner and often curved. Yes. New posts Search forums. Apply gauze or a butterfly bandage to the wound. 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. Just like with filing, be careful not to cut into the portion of the spur that has blood flow and bone. A spur that curls back into the bird’s leg must be trimmed to prevent lameness. As far as bleeding, he bled a LOT. Jacquie Jacob Replied August 03, 2023, 4:48 PM EDT. I have several hens with spurs, and occasionally, the spurs grow curving towards the shank. How to cut rooster spurs . The spurs are a wicked-looking spike of keratin the same stuff that makes up the roosters beak or your fingernails. This can be done by gently twisting the spur until it pops off. If I were to start removing the sheath or taking a Dremel to them now, will they stay short with maintenance like a dog whose nails are trimmed regularly. Better are horse nippers. Friends, if you like this video, you can help the channel grow: Rate the video! 👍 - I will be very happy and it will help the development of the channel. A safe way to trim a spur is to simply remove the sharp tip. it involved using a pair of pliers to grab at the base of the spur and gently twisting back and forth until the shell came off. He also only sired 6 chicks out of dozens of eggs I tried to hatch. New posts Search forums. I'm no expert, but having just removed my first spur casings this evening, it sounds like your hen may have already had the spur casings removed as well. Using a cleaned pair of pet or human toenail clippers, trim a little bit of the turkey’s nails at a time, not trimming past about ⅛ inch as you go to prevent accidental quick cutting. I have seen photos of curvy spurs that have grown up into the roosters under belly. Quote: X2 I have seen a youtube video on it. If you do cut to the quick (the blood vessel inside the nail), the nail will bleed quite a lot. How to cut and trim rooster spurswe had to trim his spurs because he was causing significant injury to his hensThe best way to hold the rooster is upside dow. Australorp Rooster Spurs are bony growths that develop on the lower legs of mature roosters. 5,521. New posts New media New articles New media comments New article comments New profile posts Latest activity New showcase items New showcase. If by yourself, use one hand to hold their foot and the other to do the trimming. Jun 30, 2019. Though we're going to get a Dremmel to make it quicker and easier. I saw the video here for removing the spur sheath. We trim roosters spurs if they are too long or harming the hens. A spur that curls back into the bird’s leg must be trimmed to prevent lameness. A rooster spur is a pointy, mean-looking, clawlike growth on the leg of a rooster. To begin, you should hold the rooster’s leg between your thumb and index finger and gently press down on the spur to flatten it. No bleeding. Just so the girls don't get hurt or me anytime. A rooster’s spurs will typically start visibly showing development by no later than 7 or 8 months of age. Move it up and down along the spur, and you should be able to see something inside the spur that is darker, but doesn't run all the way to the tip. . Can u cut a Roosters spurs? A safe way to trim a spur is to simply remove the sharp tip. For these reasons, long spurs on a hen may require grooming from time to time. Whats the best option and best way to do both. It seemed to work pretty good. Take a pair of pliers, ones designed to grip something round with teeth, and firmly grip the spur about 1. The dog clippers are faster but you want to have good grip strength. My older son, age 13, noticed a change. 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. (Full answer)Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. Examine each foot. 5-2" from the leg. Lots of hawks circling above, never lost a hen to a hawk since I have this rooster. Search titles only By: Search Advanced search…Or to take spurs out. so if we use a dremmel to trim them to 1" long will they bleed or is it like trimming your own nails if you don't go to shortMost roosters grow spurs throughout their entire life - the longer the spurs, the older the rooster (that is, as long as the spurs were never trimmed), although I don't think Cubalayas grow spurs. 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. . They are so hard that it can be difficult to trim them when needed. 635. Crusty. . Southern Indiana. What's new. It’s thick and sharp and develops after the roosters reach their sexual maturity. Just like dubbing hurts them but they dont show it,. Its an "outgrowth of the legbone" but doesnt really mean it is a bone or attached to the bone. As a general answer, chickens can have fully grown spurs anywhere between the ages of 3-9 months. CUDA has a great article on his website. Should you trim rooster spurs? While short spurs don’t usually cause harm, and we often use poultry saddles to provide some protection, excessively long spurs can easily tear the skin. Thread starter. What's new. ca) Join the conversation all backyard poultry related. There is usually no need. This can be done by gently twisting the spur until it pops off. Soak your rooster’s feet in the water for a few minutes, as this softens the skin around the spurs. New posts Search forums. There is a blood supply to the spur but that is locted closer to the foot. As the rooster matures, this will develop into a spur. If you are afraid of a. Rooster spurs are among the best weapons the roosters have against danger. 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. Hmm, thought I posted this earlier but it never showed up. Selecting the right breed and setting up a. Then we trimmed the spurs on my other rooster - the young one. A rooster spur is a long, sharp projection that extends backward from the leg of a male chicken. Caught a rooster that day, got my pliers,held the leg firmly, clamped the spur with the pliers, rocked it a little, and I was amazed to see. Some roosters register no pain and discomfort. Then you can easily twist it off. And like your fingernails, it has a quick that is directly attached to the leg bone. Rooster spurs are just like a human nail or a dogs claws. If you want to see more, simply hit subscribe. Search titles only. . Cut just above it, then file the edges to a rounded nub. Take the pliers and twist the spur to one side and then to the other side. Step 2: Pull the strap tight, enlarging the other side. Use some hydrogen peroxide and give them a good scrub with the toothbrush. 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. Bath Towel. New posts New media New articles New media comments New article comments New profile posts Latest activity New showcase items. If the spurs of a personable rooster aren’t causing any problems, I would advise to leave them alone. . Do I trim or cut off? How do you do it? Forums. Where, if you trim the spurs by cutting or clipping, you leave a blunt end. Gail Damerow is the author of Storey’s. But when I added a mature rooster to my existing flock that already had. Also inspect for any cuts, broken toes, bumble foot, and also scaly leg mites that might require attention. I wrap them in a large towel around the wings, lay him down, and hold onto his feet. Forums. New posts New media New articles New media comments New article comments New profile posts Latest activity New showcase items New showcase. Once the spur pops off, the quick should be exposed. say_yah_to_da_u. People who do this say. Normally you will not need to trim the spurs on a rooster. Trimming is only necessary if they become a problem. You will also need a styptic powder or pencil to stop the bleeding if you accidentally cut too deep. My husband just clipped off the sharp end then filed what was left so it was smooth and rounded. It is usually xbe of the way along the spur. Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. Surgical removal of rooster spurs applies to adult roosters with abnormal or. . More often than not, a team's issues stem. Roosters have the spurs to protect their hens, chickens and themselves against any. Read More » Keeping Chickens. Heat up a potato and press the hot potato onto the spurs and let it heat the spurs up for a bit. Hey there! Welcome to The Happy Chicken Coop YouTube channel. If you need to trim your roosters spurs, you can clip the tips and use a nail grinder to blunt them. . Amazingly, you can also find this material on large animals. Then clip the spurs off with a sharp tool. I was wondering what I should do about the roosters spurs. My rooster isn't even a year old so he does not need it done, but I was wondering about your thoughts on the baked potato method. Dog nail trimmers work. 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. Step By Step Instructions. Think of the outer spur as you would a nail on your own finger. AllChookUp. . The spurs and the toenails are a lot like yours. This is what I do. Make sure to file down the sharp edges of the remaining spur. You can soften the spur by rubbing it with oil or by heating a potato and then applying it to the spur. Gorilla tape is stronger though and works better. . Normally you will not need to trim the spurs on a rooster. 86K subscribers Subscribe 152 65K views 7 years ago. The steps involved in this method are: Step 1 - Mix flour and salt in a bowl, this will help stop the little bleeding that can occur. If you use the potato method, remember to be careful to not touch the potato to the rooster’s leg. just wondering if i could trim my roosters spurs, file them down, or completley remove them. Will try that next time. You can trim, twist off, or glue beads on them. Or the spurs grow in a way to interfere with the chicken walking. . This is the part you want to clip away. 1. By then they are tough, and take a dremel to cut. Both spurs have been removed, you can see them laying on the floor next to the legs. New posts Search forums. CathrynI have noticed lately that my older rooster Napoleon's spurs are extremely long and curving up and inward. We can miss the damage from spurs as the wings can cover up sore and torn skin. This can be done by gently holding the rooster’s. First, use a pair of pliers to gently twist the spur until the point is facing upwards. Roosters need spurs to defend themselves against predators and other roosters, and removing them can leave them vulnerable. The kind of spur covers actually made for chickens are hard to find--I think it is illegal to ship them to most states, because it is assumed that they will be used for fighting birds. They have a light arch and look like other toes. . Then, kneel on the ground so there’s a space between your legs. Forums. A rooster spur is a pointy, mean-looking, clawlike growth on the leg of a rooster. Cut, let cool a bit, then cut a bit more. All chickens, regardless of whether they are hens or roosters, have a small bump or spur bud on the back of their shanks. . 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. The potato must be re-heated for the second spur, as you leave it on the spur for about a minute. Head protrudes from one end, feet the other. Step 2 - Give the rooster’s feet, legs, and spurs a good wash. For RoRo, we dremmeled the spur down as far as we could to. A spur that curls back into the bird’s leg must be trimmed to prevent lameness. Unfortunately they pull out lots of the hens feathers during mating. . I have a rosecomb bantam of about 7 months. Ana Hotaling. A unique rooster in a flock may be deprived of spurs. The process of trimming rooster spurs is relatively simple and can be done at home with the right tools. Cut too close and you cut into the "quick" so to say. It is a good idea to trim roosters spurs to keep them short, every so often. New posts Search forums. What's new. Agressive Roosters One way How to Trim Spur - Better way may be twist with pliers Redland. . His spurs are pretty long and Very hard. (The full answer)All chickens, regardless of whether they are hens or roosters, have a small bump or spur bud on the back of their shanks. 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). . Since the dremmel can be noisy. From this point on, no farmer can be sure how long it will take for the rooster spurs to grow fully. Is the Egyptian goose a duck? Although called a goose, the Egyptian Goose is actually a duck in goose clothing. It is an effective way to remove the keratin layer and remove the sharpness. Secure their toe with your thumb and forefinger to hold it still. I have several hens with spurs, and occasionally, the spurs grow curving towards the shank. It’s this that has an impact on the texture and taste of the meat. How to cut and trim rooster spurswe had to trim his spurs because he was causing significant injury to his hensThe best way to hold the rooster is upside dow. California, central valley. when first saw my husband do that i felt so bad for the rooster he cryed out, some say it does not hurt them , but really i belive it does. While permanent spur removal is possible, it can be very painful and bloody to the rooster, as there is live tissue in the center of the spur, so we generally do not recommend this procedure if it can be avoided. But if you just cut the sharp point off and don’t get too ambitious, you probably won’t see any blood. But I am still looking for instructions or confirmation that pulling a spur is indeed a non-cruel way. . We used the saddles. I gotta try the towel wrap. Spurs on chickens are quite hard and very sharp. Or sooner if you get a spot of blood. I don't trim spurs unless they get long enough to interfere with his walking, or causing injuries. But I am still looking for instructions or confirmation that pulling a spur is indeed a non-cruel way to cut spurs. Mar 7, 2020. They might work better than trimming the claws if they will stay on. Poultry Talk Ontario (pto. New posts Search forums. How to Restrain the Rooster? To trim a rooster’s spurs, you will need to restrain the bird. I FOUND IT. Lollipop. If you want them to breed well you will even have to give them a booty bath! LOL!!! If you keep the rooster healthy and happy, your hens will benefit too. Forums. ca) Join the conversation all backyard poultry related. Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. If it changes color, you’re getting too close to the quick. Trimming helps protect your rooster and. Most roosters can handle having their spurs twisted off. You can soften the spur by rubbing it with oil or by heating a potato and then applying it to the spur. Twist his spurs and they’ll pop right off, leaving the soft new spur underneath. People who do this say their boys act just f. (This is the tricky part- getting your rooster to hold still for 2-3 minutes while he feels the sensation of heat coming from his spur area. They are so hard that it can be difficult to trim them when needed. my roos are starting to grow their spurs and a couple of them are getting pointed and hurting the hens. azygous said: Only the outer sheath of the spur is removed. Then clip the spurs off with a sharp tool. It's only because the potato softens the outer shell of the spur. They can provide professional help and guidance to ensure the rooster’s well-being. Nothing wrong with experimenting. Aug 30, 2007 3,267 12 221 NM. My Hubby said we need to find its sign (main artery) to know if it's safe to trim his spur. Heat a potato in the microwave for about 10 minutes until it is fully cooked. . . . When they are young, you will notice a bump on the inside of the leg. . How to break a broody hen? A hen may go broody and decide she wants to hatch some eggs out herself. Rooster usually walks away like he is stepping on nails but usually gets over it within 30 minutes time. . He has been in a large enclosure so he could see them just not be with them. Poor guy's spurs are really longTrimming or removing his other spur would be a wise idea. Many flock keepers trim rooster spurs to prevent unintentional injury. Ensure that the hot potato doesn’t come into contact with. Unlike claws, spurs are normally straight or only slightly curved, making them suited to striking or stabbing. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features NFL Sunday Ticket Press Copyright. They interfere with how he walks, as they are about 3 inches and pointy!. I like to handle my roosters every night to ensure that they stay friendly etc. Many people recommend just pulling the spurs out with some pliers. New posts Search forums. I watched one video of a guy using a grinder. My question was going to be, after this softer, smaller. It's just a matter of semantics, you both are correct. Simply use a metal file (purchased at any hardware or ranch store) and file the spur down as you would a fingernail. This is our Black Ameraucana Roo, Tony Montana! See m. Recent searches (0) At Home; Education; For Parents; Best Buys; Days Out; Meet the Team; About Us; Our NewsletterCan you trim a chicken spurs? Icwondering cause some of my hens look like they are developing them. Depending on how long they are, that plays alot into it. In conclusion, maintaining rooster spurs is crucial for the health of your roosters and your entire flock. Articles. A roosters spur is located about halfway between the chickens foot and hock. Articles. I hold my chicken under one arm. He still managed to rake up their sides. New posts Search forums. Trimming toenails is another thing you can do to help protect your hen’s backsides. File them off with something like a Dremel tool. Skip to contentTrim the spurs before they become too long and sharp. 22. Right before the Quik, just like a dog. New posts Search forums. And trim your rooster’s spurs 😳 If it became a neurotic, every day thing - sure, consider your. I haven't ever trimmed spurs either, but had seen other people on BYC talking about the potato method, and they seemed to like it, hence the link.