What is a spur on chicken used for?

A "spur" on a chicken refers to the sharp, pointed projection found on the back of a rooster's legs. It's not present on hens.

The main purpose of spurs is for fighting and establishing dominance:

* Fighting: Roosters use spurs to fight other roosters for territory, mates, or food. The spurs can inflict significant damage, tearing flesh and even causing bone fractures.

* Dominance: By displaying their spurs, roosters can establish their dominance over other roosters in the flock.

While not always used in a violent manner, spurs are a natural part of a rooster's anatomy and play an important role in their social hierarchy and survival.

Note: In domesticated chickens, spurs are often trimmed or removed for safety purposes, particularly if they are kept in close proximity to humans or other animals.