Can you cut your chickens talons?

Answer 1

They are called spurs and yes, it is not a difficult thing to do and there are several methods.

Trimming must be done very carefully otherwise you can damage or even kill the rooster from latent infection. Dog nail trimmers can be used to cut the last 1/4 of the spur being careful not to cut the blood vessel that feeds the nail/spur. If you cut too close it will bleed and you should apply pressure until it stops or apply a silver nitrate stick to the wound to help it stop bleeding.

Another method is using hot baked potatoes. This is done by grabbing 2 medium sized potatoes and cooking them as if you were going to eat them yourself. Using gloves, insert the rooster's spur into the center of the potato and keep it in there for a couple of minutes while being careful not to touch the rooster's leg as burning will result. You can also wrap the birds leg with cloth first leaving only the spur sticking out. Remove the potato and gently twist the spur with a pliers. There will be a small amount of blood but do not be alarmed as this is natural.

The third method is to use a rotary grinding tool such as a Dremel. Much the same as using dog nail trimmers, you grind away only the last 1/4 inch of spur. A file will also work but it will take two people. One to control the rooster the other to do the filing.

Answer 2

They do have large sharp talons!