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how to age hens??

Discussion in 'Managing Your Flock' started by Athensm50, Aug 10, 2013.

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  1. Aug 10, 2013 #1
    Athensm50

    Athensm50 In the Brooder

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    Jul 17, 2013
    Hey guys.....I got 2 hens last weekend and were told that they were about a year old......I picked up a couple more girls today for an older gent that was not sure.....he had about 30 birds and didn't know...

    so....how do I tell the age of the new hens.....up next to my my 1 yr girls.....they are larger(same breed) (Golden Comet).....and thier (new so I don't know)comb I think is a little taller....and the (Stuff) under the beek (Red like comb) is larger as well.


    Thanks in advance!

    Athens
     

  4. Aug 10, 2013 #2
    dandrews1971

    dandrews1971 Songster

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    Jun 5, 2013
    Claremore, Oklahoma USA
    under the beak is called wattles. :)
     
  6. Aug 11, 2013 #3
    Mrs. K

    Mrs. K Crowing

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    It can be a bit difficult once they are full grown. The difference between a 1 year old and a 2 year old is not obvious, and the differences you described could simply be differences in the birds. If you are sure the 1 year olds are that old, they should be full sized.

    Once they get past two, to me, they start to look old, a little less brightly colored feathers, and they can get a little stiffer..... they just look older.

    Under 6 months, easy to see, over 2 1/2 years fairly easy to see, but in between is a bit difficult. I would guess older than younger, as people like to keep healthy layers of that age bracket.

    Mrs K
     
  8. Aug 12, 2013 #4
    Athensm50

    Athensm50 In the Brooder

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    Jul 17, 2013
    Thanks Mrs. K

    Not sure...i was told that the 1st 2 hens were a year.....but they just seem smaller....the other 2 hens I got are big and bright...stunning!

    maybe the 1st 2 hens were younger???
     

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