Is that just a scale on the legs?

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

It’s round and feels like a bump, it’s more visible in the first pic. There’s one on both legs. Is it a scale? Also, should I clean her legs, looks like they are covered in dried dirt.

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

It’s round and feels like a bump, it’s more visible in the first pic. There’s one on both legs. Is it a scale? Also, should I clean her legs, looks like they are covered in dried dirt.

That looks like the spur bud. Hens have them, but they may or may not ever develop into actual spurs -- if they do, then it will most likely happen after a few years.

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Her legs are probably okay, but you can certainly wash them if you wish to.

 

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

That looks like the spur bud. Hens have them, but they may or may not ever develop into actual spurs -- if they do, then it will most likely happen after a few years.

Is it going to do any harm to the bird if it develops?

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Is it going to do any harm to the bird if it develops?

No, not at all -- they're perfectly natural, and are used for self-defense. One of my hens has long ones, and she's perfectly fine.

 

[Random Fluffy Chicken]

No, not at all -- they're perfectly natural, and are used for self-defense. One of my hens has long ones, and she's perfectly fine.

Ok thanks. I’ve never heard of the spur bud before so I was wondering if it was something unnatural. That’s interesting, is it just like an extra claw?

 

[Sapphire Sebright]

Ok thanks. I’ve never heard of the spur bud before so I was wondering if it was something unnatural. That’s interesting, is it just like an extra claw?

I believe that it is a spur of bone that grows out of the leg. They're sharp and can get pretty long. Roosters develop them early in life to protect their hens.