How old is this hen?

[LaurasNew]

Hi, I bought 2 hens, supposed to have been born roughly a year ago, one has started laying but no sign of the other one starting, to me she looks like an old lady, I'm wondering if there's any way for me to tell how old she actually is?

 

[rural mouse]

Based upon the lack of pink in the face, she's not ready to lay yet. How energetic is she in her movements?

 

[LaurasNew]

Thanks for your reply She's always on the go! Gets involved with all the others and whatever they're up to. Eats plenty, is on 20% protein food. The others, bar one who just molted, are laying. Yes, I did notice she looks pale by comparison. I hope she's ok

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

I agree, based on her comb she doesn’t look like shes going to start laying soon

 

[LaurasNew]

Thanks, is there something I should do to encourage her or just wait? I don't rely on the eggs or anything, I only have 5 hens and a rooster

 

[amarsano]

My daughter works at a small egg farm and they use the hand method to enter mine if the birds are still laying. You find the pubic bones and measure by fingers across the width. The. You use fin to measure between the vent and keel. The pelvic spread should be greater than 1 and the vent to keel should be greater than 2.

 

[LaurasNew]

My daughter works at a small egg farm and they use the hand method to enter mine if the birds are still laying. You find the pubic bones and measure by fingers across the width. The. You use fin to measure between the vent and keel. The pelvic spread should be greater than 1 and the vent to keel should be greater than 2.

Thanks for your reply, I'm fairly new to chickens in general so pardon my ignorance, but do you mean to check if she is egg bound? She isn't showing any of the behaviours I've read about except not laying at all

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Thanks for your reply, I'm fairly new to chickens in general so pardon my ignorance, but do you mean to check if she is egg bound? She isn't showing any of the behaviours I've read about except not laying at all

No, that method determines how close the hen is to laying, approximately

 

[LaurasNew]

No, that method determines how close the hen is to laying, approximately

Oh OK, thank you This is one of the things I LOVE about chickens, you really do learn so much and so does everyone who'll listen to you, my poor husband in particular

 

[rural mouse]

She's a Brahma. They typically don't start laying until 6-8 months. Most breeds start by 20 weeks (approx 5 months). She's simply taking life at her own pace. Keep an eye on her face. It will redden up. She'll likely start within 2-4 weeks of that.