the age of a hen.......

[rhpues]

I bought 2 rir. both layed for about 2 weeks. Now only one lays an egg everyday. I know it is hot and that could cause it. Could I have bought older hens? How do you tell?

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

For a horse, cow, dog, or cat you look at their teeth,...... so,......

I don't know if their is a way to age an older hen. Sorry.

 

[ChickMandy]

I posted the same question yesterday. My only reply said to look at the scales on their shanks (legs). Older chickens have larger, rougher scales. Unfortunately, it's not like there's a definite science to it, where a certain size scale indicates a particular age.

They could also just be getting used to the new environment and going through an adjustment period.

Hope that helps a bit!

 

[rhpues]

tks

 

[Redcatcher]

I would say the uniformity of the eggs. A young hen will generally have near perfect shaped eggs. Hens beyond the age of 3-4 will often have slightly misshapen eggs where the oviduct weakens over time.