Young laying hen growing spurs. Is it genetic?

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

I know hens can grow spurs, crow, etc... But I always thought it usually happened in older hens who had quit laying or in situations where a dominant hen took over the role of a rooster. But Cassie is growing spurs and she is just barely over 1 year old. She is activtly laying. She is in the middle of the pecking order in her flock, and there has been no change with the rooster in her flock. Is this normal? Are there breeds that are more likely to have hens with spurs than others? Is it genetic?

 

[MysteryChicken]

I know hens can grow spurs, crow, etc... But I always thought it usually happened in older hens who had quit laying or in situations where a dominant hen took over the role of a rooster. But Cassie is growing spurs and she is just barely over 1 year old. She is activtly laying. She is in the middle of the pecking order in her flock, and there has been no change with the rooster in her flock. Is this normal? Are there breeds that are more likely to have hens with spurs than others? Is it genetic?


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Yes, it can be genetics related. I've had hens grow spurs at the age of 6 months.

Spurred hens are common with my flocks. I even have silkie hens with spurs.

 

[Sally PB]

One of my Bielefelder hens started growing spurs before she started laying eggs. She also has the biggest comb of the four. If they weren't an autosexing breed, I would have been worried I got a cockerel in my order.

 

[Fluster Cluck Acres]

Yes, it can be genetics related. I've had hens grow spurs at the age of 6 months.

Do you find it more common with certain breeds?

I really like her egg color and want to hatch eggs from her and my BCM rooster, but I don't want her daughters to develop spurs. I guess there's only way to know.

 

[MysteryChicken]

Do you find it more common with certain breeds?

I really like her egg color and want to hatch eggs from her and my BCM rooster, but I don't want her daughters to develop spurs. I guess there's only way to know.

It's common in Game hens, & some Laying hens like Leghorns. I've only had white Leghorns one time, but they didn't have spurs, but had one with beautiful blue eyes. Ended up butchering them their 2nd year laying though. It was when grandpa was in charge of the birds.

I'd say the percentage of her offspring growing spurs would be a low 10% chance.