Polish Crested Baby Chicks have twin spurs on each leg

[RoosterTheHorse]

Hello,

We purchased two Polish Crested baby chicks three weeks ago. They were 4 days old at the time. I've noticed on both chicks, a week after purchased, that they have duel (twin) spurs on each legs. And the spurs are nearly as long as their toes already. This seems very strange to me. They apparently were born with these already established.

Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thinking this was a breed trait, I looked at images online of Polish Crested baby chicks and did not see this.

Also, they seem to be exhibiting cockerel behavior already, which I noticed about 10 days ago too. This would be very disappointing since we only purchased two of this breed. They circle each other, flap up and chest butt, they square off and do that stare down, they are more assertive and the first to try something, like flying up to the towel that is half covering the brooding box. Very cute, but dang, we got more chicks to give our second rooster some hens.

This is the start of our second year as chicken owners, so I'm not totally sure about how little cockerels act versus hens, but this behavior seems very similar when I think of our two current roosters and their behavior when first establishing pecking order. We aren't sure about Polish Crested babies either. Are they different in behavior? Not sure if it's cockerel behavior or Polish Crested behavior.

Thanks much.

 

[sourland]

Any possibility these 'twin spurs' might be double hind toes. I would love to see a picture of these birds - I keep thinking the possibility of silky crosses. Tell me they don't have dark skin.

 

[RoosterTheHorse]

Sorry to take so long to reply, but we just went through losing both of our full grown roosters. And these two polish crested chicks are definitely boys. I think you are right, these are double hind toes. I see the nubs where the spurs will grow in. But it does look odd. Here is a picture. First time trying to upload a pic, not sure if it went on. I am not seeing pictures in post.

 

[Kev]

probably houdan or silkie crosses. Houdans are very often thrown in 'polish crested' or crested mix specials. If they are black and growing out black/white then chances of being houdan is pretty high.

take a look at them and if you are seeing scales and a toenail on those two then they are the extra toes not spurs.

 

[RoosterTheHorse]

Sorry to take so long to reply, but we just went through losing both of our full grown roosters. And these two polish crested chicks are definitely boys. I think you are correct, these are double hind toes. I see the nubs where the spurs will grow in. But it does look odd. Here is a picture.

 

[RoosterTheHorse]

Thanks good to know these things. Dont know why pictures wont upload and I apologize for the double post, was trying to get pics on.

 

[Kev]

Think there's a rule about having a minimum number of posts before being able to upload pictures. Precaution against spammers I guess.

check out pictures of Houdans online and see if they might be a match. Or just make more posts anywhere on byc and try pictures again.

 

[RoosterTheHorse]

Oh thanks for the info. LOL. That is exactly what they are. I found pictures of baby chicks about their age now, and they are identical in shape, look, color, tuffs and puffs, eyes, beaks. Coastal farm and supply sold them as Polish Crested chicks. I can see how they could be confused, they are very similar, but a farm supply store should know what they are selling. In reading about them, I see the personality and traits described in ours. Even the softness to their feathers. I love holding these little guys because they are so pleasant to the touch. Very cute and smart. They are still trying to establish pecking order between themselves, so we get entertainment from their baby cockerel dances. Since our two big roosters were lost, now there is room for these two boys.

Thanks. It is always fun to learn about a breed. Each breed (and chicken) definitely has their own personality and character traits.