Chicken Claws

[Charlene1234]

We got a hen (said it was 2 yrs old) and she's got 1" claws on the side of her legs (I trimmed them when she started attacking my young 'uns). What are these called and can the size of these claws help tell her real age?? My 17 1/2 wk olds don't have anything on their legs - except I'm noticing little bumbs where I think they will grow. Are these like "du-claws" on a dog? Do they need to be removed? Thanks!

 

[ridgefire]

You sure its a hen?

Roosters get spurs on the side of their legs.

 

[hooligan]

Is the nail from a fifth toe or a spur? Hens will get bumps to but rarely will develope a spur.


This is a spur:

 

[rooster-red]

Those are spurs.

Hens rarely get them, but I do have 1 hen that has 1" spurs.

 

[hooligan]

If you post a pic of your 'girl' we will be able to tell you if it indeed is a she or he

 

[americana-chick]

go here and scroll down a bit for hens with 1' spurs!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=77223

 

[SpottedCrow]

Obelisk has a spur on one leg...
Some of the game breed hens are supposed to have spurs, but most times they get them because they're older birds.