HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A HEN IS SPENT? I HAVE A LOT OF HENS AND I THINK ITS IMPOSIBLE TO TELL WHO IS LAYING. JUST WONDERING IF THERE IS SOME OTHER WAY TO TELL IF THEY ARE TO OLD.
I hope someone can answer this , as I have wondered the same thing. I too have some hens that I don't know how old they are. I mean can you tell just by looking at them?
a drop of food coloring dripped inside the hen's vent will tint the egg for a day or two and you will be able to tell which hen is laying which egg. (or not laying)
Check the space between the pelvic bones. If laying, LF should be about three finger width. Bantams - two fingers. Bones should be pliable if laying( to accomodate egg passage ). Also, a non-layer's comb will be pale and somewhat shrunken.
I remember reading on here that their combs and wattles will lighten up alot if they are getting old and not as productive-the yellow around the eyes and on their legs fade...
