rude wimp behaviour are limited throughout the wintertime month , soactivitieslike come up through the garden , compost pile , stones and treats on the concrete patio happen less often when the earth is covered in snow or ice . chicken ’ come up behavior files their nails , keeping them at a comfortable and usable length . In aging hens , especially in heavy , sedentary breeds , circumscribed strike opportunities cause the nails to grow too long . When the nails become too long , they will force the toes into an affected position while walking , curling the toes inward . Over metre , the toe can become permanently deformed , causing the crybaby bother and further reducing the animal ’s physical activity .
One of my largest and most sedentary hens , a 5½-year - onetime Silver Laced Wyandotte , has always had hassle with her feet and legs . Unfortunately , her feet have been deformed since she was young , which seems to contribute to her unfitness to file away the nail of course . This winter they ’ve grow far too long , while her flockmates ’ nail are still normal .
A normal crybaby nail is rounded at the ending , and the straightaway is not very far from the end — this nail does not need to be garnish . If you do cut to the quick ( the pedigree vessel inside the nail ) , the nail will bleed quite a lot . The longer the nail , the further the quick has grown along with it .
Pauline ’s nail were double as long as they should be , and they were square and jagged at the ends . I lop them with the same clippers I use for my dog ’s nail . However , chickens are not dogs , so I did not insert the nail all the path to the sentry go intended to protect the quick for my dog ’s nails , because I ’d probably cut her to the quick . So , I thin much less than she needed . When the nail is trimmed slightly , the quick will recede over the course of action of a calendar week or so . Then , I can go back and trim again . Pauline is now on a weekly nail - cut down schedule to get her nails and feet back to health so she can function normally .
Nail Trimming Supplies:
To pare a chicken ’s nails , you will need the assistance of another person . Pick up your chicken and have your helper wrap her with the towel . The towel will keep her secured and her wings curb . Now you could work on on her foot . If the nails are light in color , a flashlight can be used to observe the end of the quick . If the nails are dark , like Pauline ’s , the quick is much harder to find , so cut back just the very end of each nail — less than you believe you should — and then plan on trimming again in a calendar week . When it ’s obvious that her natural behaviors are rounding the edges of her nail again , you’re able to stop unconstipated passementerie and let her take over .
Cut Too Far?
If you turn out too far and she begin to bleed , have your helper utilise pressure with the towel while you sprinkle styptic powder on your gloved hand . weightlift the bleeding nail into the powder and hold pressure sensation to give up the haemorrhage . Be sure to rationalize .
While You’re There
Because your chicken is being halt firmly , now is a good fourth dimension to scrutinize her legs , and , if necessary , clean them and do by the leg formites . As you could see in the photo above , Pauline ’s leg scales are heighten , so I ’ll regale her for leg mites as I continue to lento shorten her nails .
