How can I tell?

[Fringe]

Hi,
I've been reading on this website for a longtime (and dreaming) and now it's happened. Coop is in building mode right now and in a few weeks or so I plan on having 3-4 laying hens!

I'm planning on buying pullets. I have the name of a guy that seems to be a reputable breeder. Is there any way to tell a pullet from a hen that might be a bit past her prime? I could obviously be easily duped on this.

So there is is! After 50 years I finally get my chickens! Never too late, right? It's just a number. At least that's what I tell myself some mornings. LOL!

Thanks so much and I look forward to "meeting" many of you!

 

[lightchick]

Here's a really goo link that explains how!
http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/buying_chickens.html

 

[donrae]

You'll pretty much just have to trust the seller. This time of year, pullets born spring of 14 will look pretty identical to hens born the last few years. The difference is the new pullets should lay all winter this first year, and the older birds will slow production, molt and take the winter off. If you get pullets that aren't yet laying, that would eliminate the chance of getting older birds.

I think it's a good idea to get pics of birds you're thinking of buying and post them here before you commit to the sale. I hate to say it, but there are so many unscrupulous folks selling birds. I just hate seeing folks being sold cockerels as pullets

 

[Fringe]

Donrae,
Thanks. The guy I'm getting them from is local and is recommended by the local feed store and several people that got chicks from this guy on chick day and then went back to get a few more birds. I'm figuring if it turns out they're not what he says, then I'll take them back. If I get a hard time about it, which I doubt I will then word will get around. This is a very small town with lots of people getting chickens.
I just figured I'd put the question out there as it may help when I go choose. He raises hundreds of birds so I'm not sure I'd be able to pick out "my" birds, post pictures and then go back and find the exact same birds. LOL! Maybe?
I haven't even gone down there yet because the coop isn't finished and I don't want to get too excited and come home with birds I have no place to keep! LOL!
I LOVE this website and all of the help and advice one can get. This is the only chicken website I've joined. I've been reading on here a long time and everyone so friendly. Not that they aren't on other sites but I was drawn to this one. Appreciate it!

 

[ShockValue]

Glad you finally get to have some chickens! I've been interested and entertained by chickens as far back as high school, but had to wait until my 40th birthday to finally get some. I'm glad to say that they're even more interesting and entertaining that I had thought they would be!

If it weren't for wives, kids, jobs, dogs, etc etc etc, I'd be down there all day with them. Sometimes I'm even sad at sunset because it means I won't get to interact with them until tomorrow