Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
Chickens have toes! In fact, they have four toes on each foot. The front two toes point forward and the back two toes point backward.
Chickens use their toes for balance and for gripping the ground as they walk. Chickens also use their toes to help them preen their feathers.
Do chickens have fingers or claws?
No, chickens do not have fingers or claws. They have what are called “nails” on their feet, which are actually modified scales. These nails help them grip the ground and keep them from slipping.
How many toes does a chicken have?
Most chickens have four toes on each foot. However, there are some breeds that have five or even six toes. The extra toes are usually on the back of the foot and don’t provide many functions.
Chickens with extra toes are called polydactyl chickens.
What type of feet do chickens have?
Chickens have four toes on each foot, arranged in a zygodactyl pattern. This means that two toes point forward and two toes point backward. Each toe is tipped with a sharp claw.
Chickens use their claws for perching, scratching the ground for food, and defending themselves.
Do hens have 4 toes?
No, hens do not have four toes. Chickens, including hens, have three toes on each foot. One toe faces forward and two toes face backward.
The forward-facing toe is called the claw, and the backward-facing toes are called the metatarsals. Hens use their claws to scratch at the ground and forage for food. The metatarsals help the hen balance while she is walking and perching.
Conclusion
No, chickens do not have toes. Chickens have three toes on each foot, but these toes are not actually toes. Chickens have what are called scutes, which are hard, horny plates that cover and protect the chicken’s foot.
Scutes are made of keratin, the same substance that makes up human fingernails and toenails.