How to Trim Roosters' Spurs
When a rooster's spurs get too long, they can impede his ability to walk properly. A rooster kept for breeding should have his spurs trimmed regularly to minimize the amount of bodily injury his spurs can inflict on the hens in the flock. Spurs on a chicken are like fingernails on a human, and they never stop growing. Roosters use their spurs to fight off other roosters in the wild. Domesticated roosters don't need their spurs for survival.
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Instructions
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Wrap the rooster in a towel so he can't flap his wings.
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Measure each of his spurs with a ruler. Measure five-eighths inch from the base of the spur and place a pencil mark. Do this on both spurs.
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Hold one leg and spur in your left hand. Cut the spur off at the pencil mark using a small, fine-toothed, hacksaw in your right hand. Cut the spur off the other leg in the same manner. Use light pressure and short strokes.
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Tips & Warnings
Cutting the spur shorter than five-eighths of an inch can result in bleeding. Minimal bleeding is fine as long as it clots. If bleeding persists, seek the help of a veterinarian.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
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Comments
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Never cut off a rooster's spurs. The way to remove them is to oil them close to the leg with any type oil and wait a few minutes for it to soak in. Then using pliers or something similar, gently twist the spur and it will pop and slide off. Be careful not to grip the spur tight enough for it to break open. When the spur is removed in this way, there is no bleeding and no soreness.
