Chicken bald back

[Grandmashazzie]

I am finally getting some new girls to go into my classic,which has been sitting empty since Christmas.I have replied to ad and am going to see them hopefully tomorrow.This person is a breeder and they are advertised as POL this years.Can I tell if they are this years,or could he try to fob me off with last years birds?

[LolaLayla]

I have just got two 21 week POL girls. Infact they laid the day after I brought them home. Their combs are nowhere near as big as my old girl Layla's so that may give you an idea.

[Grandmashazzie]

Mmmm Leeweedon,that was most unhelpful,but funny These are hybrids so I don't want to get 1 yr olds and then only have them for another year or so.

[Egluntyne]

Look at their legs. If they are gnarled, they are getting on a bit. If they are smooth , they are young. Depending on the breed, leg colour can be an indicator. Many breeds have yellowish legs when young, which become paler when they are well into lay.

 

Size of comb and general demeanour can be an indicator too. If they have a large crown and are crouching, they are older than POL, if they have smallish head gear and scarper as you approach, they are likely to be young.

[Grandmashazzie]

Thank you Egluntyne,good tips.

[Grandmashazzie]

Well today I have finally got some 'posh ' birds.An Amber Star Miss Merryweather,a Bluebelle Madge and a Marans Mabel.Your advice was spot on Egluntyne and Lolalayla,small combs and talk about flighty.I thought I would point to one I liked the look of but when the lady went in to catch them they all ran amok.Home now and segregated.The newbies are cowering in corner of WIR and ex batts are screeching at them from their half.Heres to a happy outcome and no bullying

[gavclojak]

Cut a leg off and count the rings?

 

(Sorry for the unhelpful response)

 

LOL naughty boy