How to know my hens ages?

[denisesbabies]

I am the new mommy of 2 Barred Rocks hens. The woman I purchased them from said they were 8-10 months of age, but she had so many chickens I am not sure she really knew their ages. I've read that you can tell their ages by their combs, but cannot find a thread that details how to determine a hens age. Thanks.

 

[Den in Penn]

Unless you raised them from chicks, there really is no reliable way to tell a chickens age. Changes in a comb occurs for many reasons, but not age. For instance during molt when a hen stops laying the comb will lighten up and shrink. When she is finished growing back her feathers and is back in condition her comb will redden and swell.