The Poultry Keeper

misskiwi · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 35 Location: BEDFORD

I have just got 4 ex battery hens and they have very long nails. One wallks like a Tennessee Walking horse very funny to watch but they don't look very comfortable. Do I need to cut the nails or will they wear down in time? The hens are free ran age.

Lisa · Posted: Sun Mar 26, 2006 3:40 pm Post subject:

I would cut them. If they look uncomfortable, they probably are.

I've never done it myself, but I think its a simillar principle to cutting any animals nails ie don't too far back or you might cut into the quick and it will bleed and hurt the animal. Something like dog nail clippers should do, if you have some, or can borrow any.

If you're not sure exactly where to cut, just take it easy and take off LESS than you think you need to - this way you can always have another go and take off a bit more... but you can't put it back if you've cut too much Shocked

If you need help with the task it might be worth asking at your local vet. Mine do free nurse clinics for anyone who needs help with things like cutting dogs nails, I'm sure mine would do my chooks as well, if need be... (although that does have the downside of a trip to the vets).

Good luck - do let us know how you get on if you do it.

misskiwi · Joined: 16 Mar 2006 Posts: 35 Location: BEDFORD

Yes I do the dogs, so I will use his nail cutters and get the partner to hold the girls.

morgan · Joined: 12 Jul 2005 Posts: 17

Yes cut them. If you don't there is a risk that they will break in the wrong place and that could cause trouble.The hen might even break a toe not just the nail. Once the nails are the right length the hen will be able to walk and scratch properly and keep them the right length.