[cammi]

I've noticed that my Anaucana  (whose in moult) has got very long claws do we cut them??  I have clippers i use on the Guinea Pigs would they do??

Also noticed that her top beak is longer than the bottom, bit like a parrot (not to that extent!)
She is eating fine etc do i need to file it down??

[PaulineM]

Hi
I think they usually sort out their beaks themselves rubbing them on stones etc. If it was the bottom beak being larger then maybe you would need to file it.
As for the claws I'mnot sure  Do they get to walk on hard surfaces that would wear down their claws?
 

[hillfooter]

Some times if you beak trim it grows back rather misshapen with like thin flashing around where it's been cut.  You may have to file that back.  normally you don't beak or claw trim unless they have a problem such as difficulty eating or walking.

HF

[cammi]

My concern is that her claws are alot longer than the other girl, so much so that one of them is now like twisting the toe.  She now has, shingle, bark, stones, grass and pation etc, but where we got her was mainly just a muddy field.  She's in moult so i wonder if they are all growing faster at the moment (or arent claws and feathers made of the same things lol)

Maybe i will try to get some photos tomorrow.

[Lindeggs]

Cammi, can you try feeding her some grain on a concrete paver or brick?  Perhaps she will file her own beak and nails!

[Casey76]

Cami it you take a close look at her claws, if they need trimming you will see a clear line between the quick and the nail - it is often only on one side, and it makes the claw look lopsided.

you can take the very points off with dog nail clippers (the loop ones are the best, not the pincer/scissors type ones), but make sure you have some wound powder or stypic to hand as they can bleed like you wouldn't believe! if you nick the quick.

mostly, unless the claw is curling under back towards the foot, or is making walking difficult, i would leave them along.  As long as they get plenty of scratching time in the garded they are normally OK.

[cammi]

Some photos to help, not very good as she wouldn't stay still!!

[cammi]

yes they sound like the type i have for the cats and guinea pigs.

[Casey76]

Both beak and claws are fine

[hillfooter]

Both beak and claws are fine

Yes no need to worry
HF

[cammi]

oh thats great!

Had a thought, would these long claws means shes older than a young girl??  (she was sold as POL) We've had no eggs yet but she is moulting.

[Casey76]

Hi cammi, looking at her legs (sorry!  ) I'd say she was at least a year old - which would also explain her moulting too.

Take a look at her legs as see how the scales look large and are rounded (you can see this really clearly in the close up of her  feet)?  Now compare these scales to the very small tight scales your "mystery" hen has.

This isn't particularly accurate, but generally the younger the hen is the smaller and tighter the scales sit on the legs.

[cammi]

Yes i've always thought she just 'looked' old.  I wonder if we will ever get any eggs lol!!  this chicken buying business doesn't seem very honest, got a bird older than she should be and a bird that isn't what she should be and a girl whos eggs aren't as brown as they should be!!   lol