Any idea if this is a young / old hen?

[V2vee]

This hen turned up in someone in our neighbourhood’s garden and we have taken her in so have no idea of her background.

I’m guessing she’s ex battery as it looks like the top of her beak has been trimmed (as per one of our others that we know is ex battery - last pic attached!)

I also think she’s fairly young as she’s in such good condition compared to our golden oldie who I have also added on the last photo as a comparison. I’m thinking they are probably the same breed?

And is it normal for an older hen to look as bedraggled as the one in the last picture?

Thanks!

 

[Kiki]

She's younger than your old one, that's for sure. No telling how young/old.

Her legs are young looking.

 

[V2vee]

Adding another one of Golden Oldie to show just how bedraggled she is….

 

[V2vee]

She's younger than your old one, that's for sure. No telling how young/old.

Her legs are young looking.

Thanks for reply. Yes I thought that re her legs too.

 

[LaFleche]

Your older one seems to be molting.

 

[V2vee]

Your older one seems to be molting.

Yes - she has a new feather (pin feather?) growing in that bald patch on her back.

I hope that’s what it is. I was worried about there being some sort if underlying health condition making her look so scrawny and scruffy!