can anyone tell the age of a chicken just by looks?

[sammysam]

I recently got a few black australorps that were supposedly six months old. One just started laying and her comb is a lot redder than the other one but shes a lot smaller. The other one is a lot bigger but her comb is a lot lighter. Is that possible? Or could it be that she is older? Do the combs get lighter as they get older? She just dosent seem to be only six months old and im wondering if I got robbed.

 

[KellyHM]

The combs actually get DARKER when they get older.

 

[sammysam]

Thanks, But why is she so much bigger? Shes almost as big as my 8 month old roo. I guess I will just have to wait to see what happens. Once again thanks for the reply.

 

[hinkjc]

Maybe she's not an australorp. Could be a Jersey Giant, which would explain size difference if they're the same age. Check the bottom of her feet and see if they're pinkish white or yellow. Yellow is JG. Also, if they're hatchery stock, they may vary in size and quality of breed.