How can you tell the age of a chicken?

[rebecca10782]

We just adopted a hen from the animal shelter. She looks like a black star. I realized that if she starts laying, it means she is probably under five. But is there any other way of telling age?

 

[chickensioux]

This is a really good question. I'd like to know the answer too.

 

[DTchickens]

there have been a lot of posts on asking this, search and you may can find some.. As for the age you got to have the eye. and after they mature (year old) it's pretty much impossible.. Just because they lay doesn't mean they are under five. I've owned plenty of 10-13 year old laying hens, and knew of someone with a 18 year old breeding pair..

 

[barred-rocks-rock]

i wish i knew