Having to cull hens - how to tell which ones are not laying

[North feather]

I have 14 barred rock hens and one rooster. They are 2 1/2 years old but are still laying sort of well. I have a friend whose hen went broody so I gave her fertilized eggs and her hen is raising 3 chicks for me. My coop is not big enough for 17 hens so I have to cull a few. The problem is which ones do I cull? Is there an easy way to tell which ones are not laying and which ones are?

 

[Jetblack2004]

Firstly, I suggest you ask around your local area to see if anybody wants a few hens for free. It's a good idea because there might be someone near you that would like some hens. Then you wouldn't be ending your hens' lives' too soon when they could live happily elsewhere.

But if there isn't anyone and your going to have to cull, then here is quite a simple way to tell.
If a hen is laying, her comb and wattles will be bright red. If a hen isn't, then the comb and wattles will be pale pink.

-Jet

 

[Jetblack2004]

Picture is of a hen that would be laying

-Jet