Hen with spurs

[KTG808]

Anyone else have a hen that grew a pair of spurs? Curious to find out how they develop. I think it looks pretty neat on them!

My sweater hen with her newest batch. She's so dangerous to other chicks though! You can see her spur sticking out.

 

[sunflour]

so glad you have joined us.

I have read and heard hens can grow spurs. One of mine has started crowing, but no spurs yet, but will keep watching for those

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! It's not that uncommon for hens to have spurs, especially game type breeds, I have several hens who have some, the spurs can get fairly long, but usually don't usually get as long as the rooster spurs of the same breed.

 

[drumstick diva]

Yes, some hens can and do grow spurs. Usually not as large as a males. Probably because predators are rough and chickens don't carry guns - they need some kind of weapons.

 

[Chickies Mama]

I have seven-6 week old chicks of various types and while I have been hoping for pullets, I have found most have little bumps on the backs of their legs. Are spur bumps this early are sure sign of a cockerel? Any chance they may still be pullets?

 

[KTG808]

@Chickies Mama for me, no. I think it's natural for chicks to develop bumps because I thought if they had them it was a sure sign they were boys. But turns out as they grow they show signs of being pullets. I have full grown hens that have the same bumps on their legs when they were chicks and they haven't grown into Spurs.

 

[justplainbatty]

Yah, all chicks start out with spur bumps. Usually only roosters bumps develop to spurs. On time when I had no rooster, my old SLW gal grew a spur on her left leg. She felt compelled I guess since it was just a few females and she was the oldest most aggressive hen. Usually I always have roosters ( I have 7 right now) and none of my hens have spurs). I think they grow them out of necessity when they have no roo protection. As for the young ones you have, their combs and saddle feathers will give them away as roosters long before spurs appear.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

All chickens have spur bumps.Roosters actually grow those bumps out.I had a hen with spurs,it she did know how to use em.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

And I think they don't grow them because of no roo protection,because the hen I had came from a farm an she lived with about 10 rooters.