Rare four-legged chicken in North Queensland finds a new home after being ‘bullied’ by other chickens

A four-legged chicken has been rehomed after being bullied and pecked at by other chickens for being different.

The hen at a Kairi hobby farm in North Queensland was picked on by her feathered cohorts who relentlessly pecked at her spine, putting the bird at risk of infection.

The unusual chicken is believed to suffer from polymelia — a rare condition in which one or more extra limbs grow — and is known to affect humans as well.

Owner Jess Leeming took to social media last weekend in a desperate attempt to find another home for the unfortunate chook before her condition worsened.

“I have a four-legged (yes, four-legged) young hen that needs some TLC if anyone is interested?” read the message.

The unusual chicken (pictured) is believed to be suffering from polymelia – a rare condition in which one or more extra limbs grow

“She has a big wound where the end of her spine was picked and I think her days are limited unless someone with experience takes over.”

Ms Lemming said the unusual bird may have been a victim of the attacks due to the natural behavior of the chooks.

“Chickens tend to peck at something different or new,” she told Daily Mail Australia, adding that the extra pair of legs dangling from the back didn’t seem to bother the chicken.

“Although we’re not sure if her internal systems can pass on eggs,” Ms. Lemming said.

The animal lover’s grandfather, who is a poultry farmer, said he had never seen a chicken with such a condition.

Polymelia is a rare genetic birth defect that can affect other animals as well as humans.

In some hens with the rare deformity, the legs may grow out of different parts of the body, including the spine, chest, or head.

Meanwhile, online commenters were eager to help once the post went online – which quickly led to the businesswoman finding a new home for the chicken.

“Chickens tend to peck at something different or new,” said the chook’s owner, Jess Lemming (stock image)

Online commenters were eager to help as soon as word appeared about the chicken (pictured) needing a home – which led to owner Jess Lemming finding one for her

She said it was a huge relief after local conservationist Olive Needham absorbed the chook.

“The chickens had pecked her and made a wound on her back, which quickly became infected. So she needed specialized care to help her heal,” said Ms. Lemming.

Ms Needham said the chicken may require surgery to correct the problem Courier mail reported.

Social media erupted with praise after the hen found a home, while others joked about how much the hen is worth.

‘Wow! I’ve seen people do this to cats, dogs etc but not a chook,” one wrote.

“A four-drumstick choke, well worth a fortune,” another joked.