HENS MAY BE TO OLD?

[BRYAN662]

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.

 

[marymac]

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?

 

[montcapu]

interesting question... will be checking back to see soem answers

 

[BRYAN662]

some one in here should have a answer please

 

[mjdtexan]

 

[onthespot]

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)

 

[brimag]

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.

 

[sonew123]

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...