hens with spurs?

[klnlehmann]

A neighbor is replacing hens that were killed by her dog. After close inspection I have noticed that 2 have spurs. I am new to chickens but have not heard of this, is it common?

 

[V Chic Chick]

Hens will often grow spurs as they get older, and this is often a sign of age. It doesn't normally indicate that anything is wrong, but your neighbour should be aware that they are definately older than POL.

 

[SpottedCrow]

Obelisk the Tormentor turned 4 on Memorial Day and she has grown a small spur on her right leg.
My hermaphrodite hen, Slifer the Sky Dragon grew 2 inch spurs on her legs starting when she was a little over 2 years old.
In some breeds, like games and Sumatras, the females are supposed to have spurs too.

 

[klnlehmann]

So there is really no chance that they are young birds like she was told? Do you think they will still be laying once they get settled? I am still in grieving over the babies that were killed.

 

[Royal Oaks Ranch]

Hens having spurs is not always an indication of age. I have some young welsumers I hatched last year that have spurs. I also used to raise game hens and it was common for them to have spurs.. certain lines or breeds seem to produce spurred hens..

 

[klnlehmann]

I guess I should see if I can discover what kind they are. They are pretty, a light red with the downy under coat white. and white legs, a clear distinction from the austrapols(sp) I rescued last year. Also they are so docile that I just pick them up and move them where I want them to be. Quite a pleasant change

 

[V Chic Chick]

Quote:
It's just less likely. I have a hen who got scaley leg mite, and progressed before I was able to cure it (chemicals did nothing, baby oil mixed with tea tree oil did the trick) and she is now 11 months old with small stubby spurs. The only surefire way to tell a hen's age is to buy her young and not fully grown.