Wing Claws

[Redcatcher]

This is a random question but one I have had for years. Nobody seems to have a clue what I am talking about. What are those digits on some chicken's wings that look like cat's claws? I had an Americauna that had one about the size and shape of a cat's claw and she clawed me with it more than once, enough to draw blood. I have seen them on other chickens as well. I searched the forum to see if anyone else has mentioned them and I cannot find anything.

 

[Chris09]

Hey Paul,
Are you talking the little claw that is at the first bend from the tip of the wing?
If so it is one of there Phalanges ( in a human it would be a finger )
Here is a post I did and if you go to picture 16 and 20 the sketches that I had found on the internet show them...
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=343605

Chris

 

[Kev]

Phalanges usually refers to the bone in finger. Humans have phalanges too.. that's an awesome info filled post.. wow, nice diagrams.

That little digit you're talking about is called 'alula' in birds. It has its own bundle of feathers and often there is a claw like projection at the tip of alula.. on some it gets pretty big and sharp.

On some birds it's particularly claw like, like on baby hoatzins, it helps them climb about.. apparently ostriches have them too.. but I see a little bitty one on most chickens, a peacock I checked for it on had it too..

 

[Redcatcher]

Quote:
Thanks for the link, Chris. That is a wealth of information

 

[Redcatcher]

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That is what it looks like. Some just have it more pronounced than others.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Thanks Kev,
I try putting a little every now and then. I figure it will help someone someday...

Chris

 

[Chris09]

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Thanks for the link, Chris. That is a wealth of information

Your Welcome,
There is a little bit of information there....

Chris

 

[RAREROO]

WOW Chris, as usuall, you have a wealth of information that a lot of us are too lazy to look up or cant find it when we do. Thanks for your effort in putting stuff together like that. Is it a sticky anywhere ? You should request that it be if not. I really love these pictures of all the different feather patterns.

 

[Chris09]

Quote:
Thanks Rareroo,
It can be found under the stick at the top of the Breeds, Genetics, & Showing page under Notable Reference & Breed Thread Discussions then its Various Diagrams on parts of a Chicken: https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=343605


Chris

 

[Smoky73]

My Dutch bantams all have it too.