Sid the cockerel............

[Snadger]

Is about three years old now and his spurs are as long as his toes! He could do me a fair bit of damage if he ever caught me off guard, but that isn't really a worry. What is a worry is that he hurts his harim whilst treading them.
I noticed one of the laydees (probably his favourite) has two baldy patches on her back that have probably been caused by his spurs?

Whats the solution? Do I need to get him to a vet to get them trimmed do ya think?

[OverWyreGrower]

We have trimmed spurs before at home, though its a 2 person job!!

[binley100]

Good luck .........

[CaroltheCarrot]

I know its bad of me but I am looking forward to the stories, I love reading about Sid!

[Snadger]

I know its bad of me but I am looking forward to the stories, I love reading about Sid!

I'm sure Sid would just luuuuuuurve me to attempt to cut his spurs!

I'd probably finish up scarred for life!

[Snadger]

We have trimmed spurs before at home, though its a 2 person job!!

There's no chance of me cutting too deep then?

[chris]

Do spurs have quicks in them? Can you see underneath the spur? When I've cut parrot claws, etc you can see the quick/vein that runs in the nail, so easy(ish) enough to avoid... Haven't seen a cockerel up close though! Infact haven't looked at my hens toes that close yet either, they've not requested their nails painted yet

[Nicos]

Looks like you can remove up to 1/4

I recall asking this a couple of years back when my boys started growing- but did nothing about it!
I wonder if I'd done something then that mine wouldn't have got so huge????
Here's a helpful link.....
Trimming Cockerels Spurs | Health

[RichmondHens]

You can trim him but be careful of the blood vessel - if you hit it he will bleed a lot. And also you will find you won't be able to take off a significant amount of spur at his age. The hen has bald patches because she is one of his favourites and therefore trodden more often than the others, the feather loss is usually caused by claws rather than spurs as he climbs aboard. The best solution is to either put the hen with a different cock who is less amorous or put a treading saddle on her.

I also have trouble with baldies but feather loss in itself is not harmful, just looks unsightly. Just make sure he is not actually injuring her. If he is a good cock I am sure he is careful when he climbs aboard so you may be worrying unnecessarily.

[Snadger]

You can trim him but be careful of the blood vessel - if you hit it he will bleed a lot. And also you will find you won't be able to take off a significant amount of spur at his age. The hen has bald patches because she is one of his favourites and therefore trodden more often than the others, the feather loss is usually caused by claws rather than spurs as he climbs aboard. The best solution is to either put the hen with a different cock who is less amorous or put a treading saddle on her.

I also have trouble with baldies but feather loss in itself is not harmful, just looks unsightly. Just make sure he is not actually injuring her. If he is a good cock I am sure he is careful when he climbs aboard so you may be worrying unnecessarily.

The two patches, as well as being devoid of feathers DO look a little sore.

[ginger ninger]

I'm sure Sid would just luuuuuuurve me to attempt to cut his spurs!

I'd probably finish up scarred for life!

Just in case Uncle Snadger...

[Glutton4...]

I was looking at Asbo's spurs yesterday - they are lethal looking too!

[its hilly]

I took a rough file to Trouser's spurs when he made my finger go septic. . Didn't take a lot off though, just the sharp point.

[jessmorris]

I was looking up how to cure spraddle leg this evening (as you do) and came across some pics of someone using a hot potato to shorten spurs. They heated the spud in the microwave, cooled it a bit, plunged the spur into it for a while then removed the outer casing of the spur with pliers.
Reckon Sid (Vicious) will stand for the potato treatment??

Can't wait to hear how you get on.

JM