HI Wanda: I have not been on the list for a while, too busy but just read this. I always cut the chesnuts off or at least pick them off when they are smaller. If you do not do this they can catch them on something and rip them off. I have had horses do this before and they can bleed from getting them ripped off. Do be careful if you use a knife and cut them off. They are like dog dewclaws and you can go too deep if you are not careful.
