how to age hens??

[Athensm50]

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

 

[dandrews1971]

under the beak is called wattles.

 

[Mrs. K]

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

 

[Athensm50]

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???