How To Tell How Old A Hen Is

So, you've got a hen, huh? Or maybe you've got your eye on one, but you're not sure if she's in her prime or past her expiration date. I mean, who wants to be stuck with a hen that's already lived her best life, right?

First things first, looking at a hen's comb can be a dead giveaway. You know, that red, fleshy thing on top of her head. If it's bright red and plump, she's probably still in her teens. But if it's all shriveled up and pale, she's likely seen a few too many winters.

Now, let's talk feathers. A young hen's feathers are usually bright and shiny. They're like the latest fashion trend, you know? But as they get older, their feathers start to look a bit dull and worn out. It's like the difference between a new car and one that's been driven off the lot a few years ago.

Ever noticed how chickens walk? Yeah, me neither. But apparently, it's a thing. A young hen struts around like she owns the place. She's confident, she's got a spring in her step. But an older hen, she's more likely to shuffle around, like she's got better things to do. Or maybe she's just tired of all the strutting.

And then there's the eggs. A young hen is going to lay big, beautiful eggs. They're like her little masterpieces. But as she gets older, her eggs start to get smaller. It's like she's just not as invested in them anymore. She's all, "Meh, good enough."

How many eggs can a hen lay - The Lifecycle of Laying Hens

But what if you're not great at hen whispering? What if you can't tell a young comb from an old one? Well, there's always the calendar method. Most hens start laying eggs around 18-20 weeks old. So, if you know when your hen started laying, you can do the math. But who are we kidding? You're not going to remember that, are you?

So, there you have it. A few ways to tell how old your hen is. Or at least, a few ways to guess. Because let's face it, hens aren't exactly forthcoming with their birth certificates. But hey, it's all part of the fun, right?