Topic: what breed are these hens...

[kt.]

Got these hens at about 8weks old. 16 weeks now. Hopefully they will lay soon as thats wot they are intended for. Any ideas as to their breed, life span, and laying span please?

[teresa]

As for breed no idea nothing I reconise, but look a lovely bunch.
life span well how long is a piece of string. I have heard of a hen at 15 but not all live that long. By the time you get them through the first year and first moult with out any problems you have a chance of having them for a few years I worked out at least 5 years. saying that I had a very healthy hen just drop dead vet said heartattack shame good layer.
 Two of mine are comming 4 now and one of them is at least twice a year she is in sick bay never been a very healthy hen but has always been at the bottom of the pecking order.
The other one is in the pic with our grandson shes so healthy lays good even through winter the perfect hen.
As for laying I think after a few years 3-4 egg laying does decline but all depends on the breed of birds and their health.


What were you told when you bought the birds?

[teresa]

Oh bless that is sad, but they have a good home with you.
Might be an idea to get intouch with him just to find out what breed they are crossed with. There is always someone who will ask you what sort of hens they are, it is nice if you can tell them or as I use to say heinze 57 hens that confused them hee hee.

[loz]

They look wyandotte - ish, but also friesian- ish, so could be hybid.

Loz  ???

[johnjp]

I think they may be Dorkings, which, if my memory serves me, are good table birds!! So perhaps they are not destined for a long life!

[Marymary]

They do look like something mixed with hybrids - also they look very young.  Are they laying yet?

[kt.]

Not laying yet. About 17-18weeks old. Hopefully soon..... :-\