Nobody is saying this for sure, as we weren't there and photos can only show so much and we're just piecing together things based on what you've given us.
But, the reality is that young pre-laying pullets simply don't have full blown combs and wattles. They get those just before point of lay at or around 15 or 16 weeks. Based on the photos, they've had those combs and wattles their entire time with you, yet? No eggs. If the birds were 12 weeks old, as the man stated, I'd be highly suspect. What we know for sure is that some "man" is peddling birds around, virtually out of the truck of his car. Sadly, yes, clipped beaks is pretty much a sign of production birds, intended to be contained in close quarters. It is sad that one can envision a scenario where such a guy likely picks up dozens and dozens of these birds for next to nothing or absolutely nothing and drives around peddling them under false pretenses to unsuspecting buyers. Sad, really.
Can we say this was the scenario? For certain? No.
But Caveat Emptor.... Let the buyer beware still stands true. Is it possible that these clipped pullets may yet lay? Possible. Who knows for certain. But if the beaks were clipped on 10 week old production reds (as these aren't RIR) then maybe, maybe they will lay soon for you. But if by mid September, there's still no eggs? You can be pretty sure they are near spent hens and you got scammed, I'd say. So sorry to say.
