how to tell a chickens age??

rescuer

Hatching
12 Years
Dec 9, 2007
2
0
7
Hi

I just rescued 23 chickens, that were being left and not fed and watered. Some neighbour had given them wild bird food to keep them alive. They actually look alot better then I thought they would, and I dont think they have been neglected to long. They now have a nice double coop and will be well looked after. My question is though, how can I tell how old they are? They do not have very big combs. I have had chickens before and I think these are young and maybe haven't started laying yet, they are a good size though. The combs are not old and shrivelled up they just dont have much of one yet. My only guess for age was their combs, but is there some way to tell? There are black ones, white ones and brown ones.



Thanks so much for any help
 
Welcome rescuer
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good job
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we are proud to have you and proud of what you have done. Do you have photos to post? Where are you located?
 
Hi again
no I dont have any photo's. I just got them last night, and today I was busy making their coop homey for them. I live in the Kootenays in Canada.
We had just stopped having chickens this fall, and we were sure missing the eggs, and something to do with all our food bits we get left over from dinner. Was driving me nuts throwing it out when I had always gave it to my chickens, so I am happy to have more. I hope once they settle in for awhile they start laying. I will slowly start adding the lights a hr at a time but I want to wait a week or so before I do anything.
One more question, can a banty rooster and 1 hen go in with these bigger chickens? They have lots of room, the coop is 12 x 24 its basically 2 coops, with a small feed room in between them. Today I opened it up though so they can have both sides.
 
I added a bantam cockeral & pullet to my standards.. the cock had ZERO problem with the big girls. They gave him attitude.. and he gave it right back. Was hilarious since they are all 6lbs and he weighs maybe 1lb! (he could practically walk under them if he ducked). He keeps them in line though, and even tries to um.. fertilize the eggs but that isn't going so well
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As for the bantam pullet.. been a much harder road for her. The big girls have chased and pecked her quite a bit. Whenever I think it's getting to be a bit much, I bring her inside for a good feed, some water, and some R&R. Then she goes back out. Finally, now 2mos later it's gotten much better. The big girls chase her a TINY bit, but she's mostly mingled in (before she'd be in the house, or roosted up higher by herself). Only my 3 bratty teenagers in there still give her a hard time.

Meghan
 
You age them just like deer.

Check their feet.

The more worn their hooves are(rounded), the older they are.

Post some picks.

Also are any of them using walkers?

That is an indication of older birds.

Seriously though. Good job and I have no idea.
 
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