Duck nail care..

[Qwerty]

Hello again!

I am afraid I have another problem! I think my ducks naily clawy things are too long. Double! They seem a bit lenthy, and when they scratch it REALLY hurts! They are showing no uncomfort, But I am a bit of a worrywort...

[BrideXIII]

PMSL......... sorry, but that is funny, although serious at the same time, i'm not sure what you could do if they are too long, duck scratchin post? how do ducks keep their claws down in nature?
still I am sure someone here knows

[lynda66]

try and give them a hard surface to walk on to help with wearing them down,maybe a couple of flag stones where they come out of their pond?? you can get nail clippers ...... DONT use the human kind ..... for animals, you should be able to see the vein that runs down the nail unless they are black or dark, hold the duck firmly, and cut the end off ........ it's like cutting your own nails ....... DO NOT cut into the red bit as it will bleed and hurt, if in doubt get someone to show you (vet nurse will probably show you for free )

[yoanbob]

I used to just leave mine and they always seemed to sort themselves out, but they were free ranging over a large area.

[Bephlam]

In my opinion it's always best to attempt to solve the problem without clipping. So, like Lynda suggested....flag stones or something that will gradually file the nail away over time. If all else fails...you can clip. It's exactly like Lynda described...nail clippers (ideally not the curved kind for dog nails...a small set of scissor shaped cat ones are perfect!)...hold the nail top in your fingers and if you are able to see the vein clip to about 2mm above it - if you hit it it's going to bleed, so have corn flour at the ready! - if you can't see the vein, just take the very tip off. If you press slightly on the nail with the finger the duck should, in theory, flinch if you're pressing down on the vein!

Or....last resort...go to your local Vets...the nurse will do it, whilst showing you, and charge you £4 roughly!

I have every confidence you can do it yourself though!!!