Age of Naragansett hens HELP!!

[jfurg75]

So..... i made a mistake and put last years hatchlings in with my older tom and 2 hens....... Now i am having a problem telling the old hens from the young ones...... Lesson learned however i was wondering if anyone had any input on the photos below as to age please give me the photo numbers and why!!

PHOTO #1

PHOTO #2

any help is greatly appreciated
Jeff

 

[BeccaOH]

You need the attention of someone more experienced in turkeys than me.

Next time, do band them.

(We've all made similar mistakes.)

I'd try checking the legs. Smoother leg scales can mean a younger hen with less exposure to the elements.

Weight can sometimes be a sign. An older hen may carry a bit more weight.

Are the young girls laying? It seemed when I had my Bourbon Reds that the pink faced girls weren't laying yet.

Sorry I couldn't help more, but maybe someone else will see and chime in.

 

[jfurg75]

Becca...

thanks for the reply they are all laying..... and already have the bands for this years hatch!! I followed you advice on the legs and seems to confirm my suspicion....

Jeff