Retained spur following a rooster attack.

In many rural areas, families raise poultry as a source of income and food. Chickens are often kept close to living quarters. Children, especially those who are young and unaware of the territorial behavior displayed by roosters, are especially vulnerable to attacks. Although such injuries are common, most do not require medical attention. However, serious claw-and peck-induced injuries to the face and upper torso may occur. Injuries caused by rooster attacks have been reported rarely.1-3 We recently have cared for a child with extensive facial lacerations who developed a polymicrobial, chronic wound infection. Evaluation revealed a retained rooster spur, an unexpected and previously unreported complication of such injuries.