Can a hen have spurs?

[thudson]

One of my hens a Rhode Island Red who is about 6 years old and has not layed an egg in about a year has started growing spurs. Her spurs would give any rooster a run for his money. Is this possible? My dad said he has never seen it. But she is my special girl and she seems happy. But the other hens started pecking on her and I had to isolate her to her self. Any ideas?

 

[feedman77]

I've had a few hens with spurs.
Not sure if it's breed related.

But it is possible

 

[Chickassan]

Totally possible, sometimes it's breed it could be age or hormones as well.

 

[thudson]

I know it is nothing to worry about but never seen it before. Thanks for your response!

 

[Sydnee Fisher]

Do you have a picture so we can see these spurs and the rest of the bird?

 

[sourland]

Yes it is possible. I have also seen a hen transition to look like a rooster with spurs, saddle and hackle feathers. She even started crowing. This is generally caused by an ovarian tumor. She belonged to a friend and was killed by a fox. We had planned on necropsying her, but the fox took away that opportunity.

 

[Gray Farms]

Yes hens can get spurs, it fairly common especially in older birds. If you hen is 6 years old she is likely about done laying. She may lay some in the warmer months, but won't in cold months.

 

[TattooedChicks]

I have a sumatra Bantam pullet with spurs rivaling my cockerels of the same age but different breed. And many of my girls have the spur buds but not nearly as much development.

 

[The Angry Hen]

It is indeed possible for a hen to have spurs. I have a hen and she's a Wyandotte that has full sized spurs, and a Brahma hen that has reasonably large spur buds. It may be peculiar to witness at first, but there is nothing wrong with your hen. I tend to think it's genetics or hormones. Good luck and God bless, have a nice evening now and hope that this info helps you.

 

[Dawnclucks22]

Yes, dominant hens can grow spurs.