Quorn

[RichmondHens]

Well we've always done them in the past with nail clippers, and TBH not all cocks need them doing, it's only if they stick out too much horizontally therefore damaging the hen. Most of our other cocks have spurs that curl upwards and therefore don't dig in in the same way. The IGs spurs though had got very long straight and thick and (probably my fault for not trimming him up earlier) had badly damaged two hens.

Anyway, having heard about the hot potato method we thought we'd try that (you can look up clips on line). And it worked. Then we carefully filed down the inner spur to a small stump and that was that. The cock didn't mind at all and was very laid back about the whole process.

[Mikey]

I think my neighbours might have something to say if I got a cockeral, my garden is completely surrounded.

Tell me why does it take a bloke to keep a load of ladies in check.

I think me and my girls are all starting to get used to each other, the birds have now got my routine down, and seem to be settling in. I haven't picked up the pecked ones for a few days, as it distresses them and I'm trying to avoid that, their manner around the bully has changed and they spend a lot more time together as a collective, which I'm assuming is as a result of her stopping feather plucking. She'll even let them eat at the same time as her from the same bowl, so I'm guessing they have all now accepted the pecking order.

Now all I'm waiting for is them to start laying.

[Flummery]

You won't have long to wait - then you'll turn your nose up at even a top price free range egg from the shops!

[polo]

Glad they seem to be settling Mikey - amazing what a difference a few days makes

Polo