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I work at a ranch that has a free range flock of about 200 chickens. There are currently no roosters in the flock. I just noticed that one of the hens has spurs that are about an inch and a half in length and very sharp and pointy. It startled me at first because my hands were close to her feet. I thought only roosters had them, but this one is definitely a hen. It was in the process of laying an egg in one of the nest boxes when I saw the spurs. I'm not sure what breed the chicken was. It was probably a mix of some sort. It could be something that only certain breeds of hens have.
I also have a hen with large spurs. She is I think a Sultan. Very old breed I'm told, black and it's head looks alot like a vultures'-very pointy. She's also very aggressive and attacks any other hen that is old and weak, nasty. This is the first time I've seen a hen with spurs.
If you look closely at a hens lower legs you'll notice a little bump on each leg. I think hens at one time millions of years ago may have had spurs to fight other hens. They probably don't have them anymore because they cause problems during broodiness and taking care of her young.
Robert Cox Addition
The truth is this happens very often. I also lived on a farm about fifty years ago we had about 3 different breeds of chickens. It seemed like one of those breeds most of the hens had spurs but they were much shorter than the rooster spurs. As for the other breeds about 1 out of 10 had some sort of spur. i would guess it happens as often as man with some female traits or a woman with male traits. A gene here or a gene there. Although we didn't have Game Roosters i think the Game Hens also had Spurs.
NorwinM addition
I have at least one hen that has inch long, very sharp spurs. The reason for this is because she went through a very 'dominant' stage when she had chicks and grew out her normally tiny spurs then. This has happened more than once, but always with a more dominant hen. I actually have some roosters that have almost no spurs....only about half-inch long ones. Also, when you have a flock of all hens and no roosters, one of the hens with quite often take the place of the rooster and start acting like one...this includes growing bigger spurs and sometimes even trying to 'crow'. This has also happened to my chickens at least once.
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What do rooster spurs look like?
spurs are hard knobs on the rooster's legs, near the feet. They are often pointed and can be quite long.
When you have raised five pet chickens together since they were born but you recently found out three of them are roosters is there a way you can keep them without them fighting?
It is not recommended that they are kept together. Rooster can grow some pretty fierce spurs on their legs that can be leathal in a schuffle. Roosters can be very territorial, especially if there are hens around. They are not trained fighting roosters you can keep em together, a little bickering will happen, just like a bunch of dogs u can have more then one male. they should not fight sence theygrew up together
How do roosters and chickens have intercourse?
Yes Hens and roosters mate to fertilize the eggs the hen produces
My eight week old silkies are bumping chests does this mean they are roosters?
No Hens will do this to establish the pecking order. Sort of like sumo wrestlers pushing each other around. Not to say roosters wouldn't do it too but its not a reliable way to establish gender.
Why does your ginnie hens try to kill your roosters?
Guineafowl can be very territorial. If they do not have enough room, or if they just like the same spot the rooster likes, it could lead to trouble.
What is roosters spurs?
Spurs are long, talon-like bones which protrude from the insides of a chickens shanks. They are lower on the shank, near the foot.Although rare, some hens can also grow spurs.
What is Roosters?
Spurs are long, talon-like bones which protrude from the insides of a chickens shanks. They are lower on the shank, near the foot.Although rare, some hens can also grow spurs.
What are rooster spurs?
A rooster spur is the bony like horn that grows on his legs which he uses for fights with other roosters. Some hens may also grow smaller spurs.
What do roosters like?
Hens
What is a spur on a chicken used for?
The spur on a chicken is usualy on a rooster and it is like a big claw on the bottom of their leg. I have chickens and my hens have tiny spur like things but roosters spurs are much bigger.
What are the spurs on a rooster?
They are for 1) fighting with other roosters to prove his supremacy, and become the leader of the hens. and 2) for aiding hium so stay on the hens when they are mating. Because hens usually dont like it so the rooster needs all the help he can get when trying to stay on long enough to allow successful fertilisation.
Will two roosters get alone with 12 hens and if one acks like a hen?
Normally one will dominate over the other when the flock is together but not respected when ranging and around corners, roosters will often challenge each other from time to time or if caught. Challenges become much more frequent when the roosters are older and develop spurs.
Do Roosters ever get to old to crow?
We have the same problem. We have tw roosters and 28 hens. They are the White Leghorns. Generally the roosters take turns crowing. Lately the flock has been molting...it looks like snow in our coop. The roosters are not crowing. I have looked for an answer as you have. Interesting we both have the same problem. It looks like molting may have something to do with them not crowing.
Do hens hate roosters?
No they don't it just seems like it because of their nature
Do barred rock roosters have spurs?
They can grow spurs, but normally they don't. Often, a very dominant hen will grow spurs, or a hen that has a need for the extra protection, such as a hen sitting on eggs. I have a very small hen that is low on the pecking order, but very feisty, and she only has one long spur on one of her legs. Also, if there is no rooster around, sometimes the dominant hen will take his place, often growing longer spurs. All chickens have at least very small spurs, and the potential to grow long ones. Typically though, hens won't grow long spurs.
Do hens have pimples on there legs like the roosters do?
Hens' legs are scaly and of a light colour. Sometimes dirt gets in between the scales. The scales are quite hard, and they overlap like the tiles on a roof.
Can a rooster be to old?
At his funeral, or when he can't chase and catch the hens.
