Can a hen grow spurs!?!

[LT]

I have a Welsummer hen who will be 3 years old in the spring. She has always had pronounced "buds" on her legs where spurs would grow if she was male. Well, in August, we added some 8 week old birds to our flock, and two of them ended up being "roos." We kept one and sent the other on its way. We have never had a rooster before. I just noticed that this Welsummer has 1/4" spurs or nails coming from those buds. Is this even possible!?! If it's possible, did the introduction of the rooster cause this?

 

[krista74]

My two BO girls have spur buds too, and yes, I have heard of many hens who do indeed grow spurs.

I don't know if it is related to the new rooster's arrival or if it is just an age thing though.

- Krista

 

[azygous]

The June before last I got five Welsummer pullets, and I noticed, as they were growing, one of the five had pronounced spur buds. She's now eighteen months old, and her spurs are half an inch long. Her name is Myrtle, and she's all girl, laying eggs and everything. She doesn't crow, though.

 

[donrae]

Not related to the young roosters at all, it's just an age/hormone thing. Some game breeds get wicked spurs fairly young at times, some dual purpose hens get them as they age.

 

[LT]

Fascinating! Thanks for the replies. This girl is a great layer when she isn't molting. And the spurs are now about 1/4" long. Chickens never cease to amaze me.