Rooster spurs do hurt humans, but they won't need removing unless they're causing ongoing harm to hens and chicken handlers. Removing spurs can eliminate the pain on you, but doesn't necessarily stop an aggressive rooster charging humans or other animals.
Most of us don’t give a lot of thought to chickens unless it’s dinner time. We give even less thought to roosters, their masculine counterparts.
But roosters aren’t only necessary for propagation, they’re fierce protectors of their flocks.
Among the attributes that make these creatures so well suited to defend their flock are their impressive spurs. Anyone who’s seen a rooster spur knows you don’t want to end up on the wrong side of one.
There are some chicken owners who’d say that’s all you need to know about rooster spurs. They’d be wrong, however.
So, just what do you need to know about rooster spurs?
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What Are Rooster Spurs?
The rooster spur is a frightening-looking talon located just a few centimeters up from the foot on the back of the leg and it’s integral to a rooster’s ability to defend itself and protect its territory.
This keratin-coated weapon is actually part of the rooster’s leg bone and begins as a small bud, sometimes difficult to discern when a rooster is young.
As a rooster grows, so do the spurs. Over time this bud grows and lengthens, often developing a curve and a wickedly sharp point.
You can think of a rooster spur as being in the same category as your own fingernails. They are covered in keratin, a type of protein associated with fingernails, hair, and even horns, and tusks. This hardened layer and sharp point make rooster spurs excellent tools for defense.
But calling it a “rooster” spur is a bit misleading. The truth is that both hens and roosters can develop spurs. For most hens, however, the Spurs won’t develop beyond bud form.
It should be noted that in some breeds spurs on hens will indeed continue to grow and become fully formed. If you own chickens you should make a point of becoming well versed in the physiology of your particular breed.
How Are Rooster Spurs Used?
Because roosters are a primary and effective line of defense when it comes to protecting their flock, having built-in weaponry can come in handy.
But since rooster spurs are located on the back of the leg, it can be hard to imagine how they factor into defense. Roosters aren’t prone to kicking backward in donkey fashion after all.
Watching a riled-up rooster in action can be quite a spectacle.
When feeling threatened or sensing danger, a rooster will leap upwards and propel its legs forward allowing the spurs to become the first point of contact with the threat.
The razor-sharp spurs will connect, pierce, and potentially rip through its foe. If that’s not enough to deter the threat, the rooster will continue to fight, potentially to the death, using its spurs, again and again, to tear through its opponent.
Removing vs Retaining Rooster Spurs
It’s clear that rooster spurs evolved to serve a valuable purpose. But it’s equally clear that these same spurs can also pose a danger.
Because spurs can be dangerous when they’re not meant to be, many owners will opt to have the spurs on a rooster removed. There are, however, pros and cons to this course of action.
Pros for removal:
- A rooster can accidentally injure himself with his own spurs.
- Spurs can be dangerous to the hens. Although a rooster’s primary focus is keeping his ladies safe and happy, those extremely sharp spurs can easily injure a hen and leave puncture wounds during a dust-up in close quarters, such as the chicken coop.
- Even if they’re not attacking, spurs can cause accidental harm to chicken keepers, children or other animals.
Cons for removal:
- If you de spur a rooster, you essentially render him defenseless. This doesn’t quell his aggression but he does lose his main weapon in a fight.
- A defenseless rooster can also mean a defenseless flock. If your chickens are free-range and there are potential predators around, you may risk losing unprotected hens as well as the roosters.
- Spurs have nerves and blood supply at the quick which means removing them isn’t without risk. Injuring the rooster or creating an opportunity for infection are possibilities.
The good news is that if you prefer to leave your rooster’s spurs intact there are options. You can choose:
- Trimming. To trim rooster spurs takes a delicate touch. Remember that trimming too far can become painful for the rooster. It’s also advisable to have a partner in case this home pedicure becomes a struggle.
- Filing. Filing can be an easier way to keep your rooster’s spurs from becoming dangerously sharp. Again, your rooster may not appreciate your efforts, so having a partner or swaddling them in a towel can be helpful.
If you choose to have your rooster’s spurs removed completely, it’s advisable to seek the help of a veterinarian trained to remove rooster spurs using specialist nail clippers or a Dremel tool.
Can Rooster Spurs Be Dangerous To Humans?
The short answer is, yes, absolutely. Whether it’s on purpose or accidental, a rooster spur can do serious damage. You might lose the joy of raising chickens in merely seconds.
Roosters don’t generally attack humans, but if he perceives you as a threat there’s always the possibility he can hurt you.
Roosters can be unpredictable birds, so avoid making sudden, aggressive moves that may make your rooster feel threatened.
More often, however, an injury to a human from a rooster spur is accidental.
To keep yourself safe around roosters with retained spurs keep the following tips in mind:
- Always handle your rooster gently. Gloves and towels or other soft wraps can be very helpful when holding a rooster.
- Wear appropriate clothing, long pants in particular. Roosters can be a fickle bunch and if they decide they’d rather not have you around you may end up with a spur in the calf.
- Keep your face and other vulnerable areas out of spur reach. Leaning down to your rooster or getting on the ground with him can put you in harm’s way.
There are many good reasons to have roosters, even to appreciate their spurs. With the right attention and precautions, rooster spurs can help provide effective protection for your flock and even property.
But remember – just like bulls and horns, if you mess with the rooster you might get the spurs.