How to tell a hen's age?

[Linda Ferguson]

Last year in a post someone mentioned how to tell how old a hen is by the wing feathers.  It had to do with how many times she had molted.  Does anyone know how to do that?  Thanks - Linda

[Lee G]

Sounds neat Linda! I hope someone who knows this method sees this and shares it with us, because I am real curious how it works. 

Otherwise, one way I know to measure a hen's approximate age is to look at her shanks. Younger birds have smooth legs, where as older birds' legs are rougher, and sometimes thicker. The legs usually don’t lie…but they don’t help much beyond 2 years of age either. Some chooks age really well, where as others not so much. Kinda like people I suppose. 

[Linda Ferguson]

Thanks Lee maybe I misunderstood what I read, but I thought it said there was some change in a primary or secondary wing feather after each molt.  Your reply helps; I'll look at the shanks.  Thanks - Linda   

[Jerry Segler]

Pigeons can be aged this way . Should work on chickens also . Secondary's get shorter with each molt . Each shortened feather = 1 year .

[Linda Ferguson]

Thank you Jerry, that was the info I was looking for.  I'll check out the secondary wing feathers on chickens I know the age of and see if it applies.  Linda

[Suki]

Why does this matter?

[Lee G]

Cool, Jerry. Thanks for explaining the how. Were you able to test it out Linda?

Why does this matter?

I suppose it doesn't ....until one day it does. 

I blame my curious nature!