Colins spurs

[molliedogspabottom]

Hello all

Can anyone tell me if colins spurs can be clipped,they are really big and I wonder if he will harm the girls.

He has a wound on one off his ankles and I dont know if this is self inflicted , it does seem to bleed a little and I feel that it needs some sort of treatment. Its not huge but I dont want any infection to get in.

Also I have been reading the last months messages and garlic is mentioned quite alot, how much should I give them , how often and does it taint the eggs at all?.

I am sure you can help, you always seem to be a mine of information

Many thanks Heather

 

[snifter]

If his spurs are long I'd be inclined to clip and file or just file down. I use dog clippers for my chooks and then a big file (one from a hardware store not a nail file :lol: ) and finish them off so they are not sharp.

The only thing is if clipping them you need to be very careful you don't clip down into the quick as it will be *very* painful and bleed. I am very careful using clippers and only do so when there is a real need and I can see clearly what I am clipping off. If you have never clipped before I suggest filing only. On many grown cock birds the spurs often have very little that can actually be nipped off before bleeding occurs so filing is usually the safest option. Hold the bird firmly to you, head tucked down under your arm and then ease the leg toward you and hold the foot and file away. Might need a second pair of hands to do this till you get the hang of it

 

[Annschooks]

Yes his spurs do need trimming back. I use a pair of side cuts or pliers for my mature cockerels spurs as the older they get the harder and thicker they get. But it depends on the breed, most of mine are L/F Brahma's or Cochins. Might be an idea to give your hens a poultry saddle to protect them from a rampant cockerels attentions.

 

[Tim]

Trimming Cockerels Spurs may help... trim a little at a time so you don't cut the blood vessel.

Good Luck..

Tim