Pelvic Points in Pullets and Older Hens

[aart]

I know that the pelvic points are close together(~1 finger tip width) before a pullet starts to lay,
then they spread farther apart (~2+ finger tip widths) just before she begins to lay.

But so the pelvic points go back together when they stop laying because of molting or broody or some other reason?

I ask because I wonder if it's valid indicator of an old hen who no longer lays.

 

[aart]

Funny this came back up or got tagged.
I found that the pelvic bones do close in older birds who are not laying.

 

[AllenK RGV]

Thanks @aart I was giving him a hard time for referencing this post as he was the only one to have noticed it. Happy Chickening!

 

[Monkeysmom5018]

Does this even apply to bantam breeds? Such as silkies and Cochins?

 

[AllenK RGV]

Does this even apply to bantam breeds? Such as silkies and Cochins?

I'm sure it must only the scale in fingerwidths must be smaller in those breeds vs a normal 5 lb pullet. here is a link to another of aart's posts https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/pullet-has-stopped-laying.1204913/page-2#post-19128183

 

[aart]

Does this even apply to bantam breeds? Such as silkies and Cochins?

Yes.

I'm sure it must only the scale in finger widths must be smaller in those breeds vs a normal 5 lb pullet.

Yes.

Here's the blurb and illustration to clarify:
Vent Appearance:
Dry, tight, and smaller - usually not laying.
Moist, wide, and larger - usually laying.

Pelvic Points, feel for the 2 bony points(pelvic bones F-F) on either side of vent:
Less than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means not laying.
More than 2 fingertip widths apart usually means laying.
(Spacing is relative with chickens size and humans finger size.)