Should I buy two of these ladies?

[squeakyballs]

I just saw this post on Craigs and was wondering if I should go for it. The hens are 2 years old and "no longer laying". Do you think that this is because of the lack of light, or could there be something wrong with them? They look like barred rock to me...

What questions should I ask her?

http://tucson.craigslist.org/grd/1547314445.html

 

[Robin'sBrood]

$10/hen. Kinda high, don't ya think? I'd probably rescue them in hopes of getting eggs later, but I'd definitely haggle that price down.

 

[bockbock2008]

I wouldn't even pay $10 for 1 year laying hens much less hens "over 2 that aren't laying". It does sound high to me too. Have patience and keep an eye on craigslist. I have gotten 2 good deals from there recently. 10 RIR hens that had just started laying for 3.50 each and 2 weeks ago 8 bantam and 11 large fowl all for free.

 

[cybercat]

Yep, those look like Barred rocks. Price is good too because I bet you can get them back to laying. When you do get them put them on a 20% layer and that should start them going again. Barred rocks are known for laying longer than two years. They just do not lay as much as the first two years. going price for adult hens is $12 to $20 so $10 is a good price.

 

[possumqueen]

$10 is kinda high for a hen that isn't laying, and the seller "has no use for them."

And I have trouble with a hen that is "no longer laying" but it's "only two years old."

Hens don't just quit because they're two. They quit because there's something wrong, or because they're way more than two.

 

[Robin'sBrood]

I'd offer $10 for all 5 of them!

 

[BellLisamo]

Robin'sBrood :

I'd offer $10 for all 5 of them!

ahhaha! she may end up with a craigslist meanie.... be careful!!!!!​

 

[fordmommy]

Too expensive! It could be the light or just their time to moult. I'd tell them $20 for all myself.

 

[HEChicken]

Personally I wouldn't pay $10 for a 2-year-old hen. I'd expect they are not completely done laying (perhaps just taking a break for molt/winter?) but their production rate is more than likely past its peak.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

The average price for a hen here is about $15. Sounds like a good deal if you were in Arkansas.