How to tell the age of a hen?

[Madison320]

I'm worried that a hen I just bought from a local flea market is getting too old to lay eggs. She has quit laying eggs for about 2 weeks. What makes me suspicious is her beak. It looks worn down. My other chicken is still a pullet and has a very sharp beak.

 

[RIVERRAT]

maybe it was de-beaked at birth. hatcheries usualy do that

 

[Madison320]

It seems like it would be hard to get away with selling old hens since there were lots of people selling chickens in the section I was in at the flea market. I'm hoping that it would be too obvious to the other dealers to try to sell a flock of old hens.

Maybe it's just too hot right now?