what to check before buying new birds?

[stephmanietta]

I was not sure were to post my question, so I hope here is okay.
I am looking for Lavender Orpingtons. I found a local breeder who has some beautiful birds but what do I need to check to be sure I am getting what I think I am.
Already I am a bit leery because he is selling chickens he says are 10 months old but still not laying, he says within the next month or two. That seems off to me. I am fairly new to chickens but thought that type started to lay around 5 or 6 months. If he is lying about the age then I don't think I want to buy from him, what else might he lie about.
When looking for breeders what should I look for besides just healthy looking birds?

Thanks in advance,
Steph

 

[Diggidy]

I am no expert, but that sounds way long. Maybe the heat has halted their laying?

My recent birds are 3-4 months and i got them from the feed store. They are not tame birds by any means.

 

[stephmanietta]

Yeah I have a silkie that just started laying this week at only 18 weeks, the other 2 are not, but silkies are suppose to be some of the longest. 10 months seems crazy.