The Poultry Keeper

voodooslippers · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 26 Location: Oxford

I picked up a hen from the farmers market today and was told she had just started laying for a week. (commercial laying brown little thing).

However, her beak/eyering/feet are all very bleached of colour, and the pale colour is advancing up to between her shank and hock joint. Now the internet would suggest this means she's been in lay for about 15-20 weeks already, rather than being a pullet.

I wouldn't even mind, but I feel cheated by the dishonesty. Sad

Oh well, I just wanted to get it off my chest, and hope she's not too old to lay me lots more eggs!

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1196 Location: Cornwall

You can tell if she's older than that by the scales on her legs, if they're very smooth and tightly sealed together and look 'youngish' then she's a POL. She's probably a Warren or Isa Brown and they are very pale when they start to come into lay, and redden up as they get into lay more. Although some do redden up earlier.

jimydee · Joined: 29 May 2008 Posts: 28 Location: Ireland

Cannot confirm if this is true, but I was told that some people get genuine rescue battery hens, after they have passed their peak performance period, feed them and leave them feather up again, and then sell them off as POL hens. cum bags.

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3469 Location: Monmouthshire

Wait to see what size egg she lays.

Pekinout · Joined: 29 Apr 2008 Posts: 1196 Location: Cornwall

I've not heard of that jimmydee, but it wouldnt surprise me, some unscrupulous sellers/breeders (I use the term loosely) will do anything to flog a bird to some unsuspecting customer.

You see them at the bird auctions here when there's ex batts being sold. They get them for nothing from the egg farms then flog em for a fiver each at the sales, or else feed them up and wait til they feather up and flog them as POL as you say.

Twisting rats.

voodooslippers · Joined: 19 Feb 2008 Posts: 26 Location: Oxford

that's typical. Wish there was a better way to tell how old they are. Mine's feathers are looking a bit ragged, would not be surprised if she's past her peak.
oh well, hope she lays tomorrow. At the rate egg prices are increasing, won't take many to make my money back.