We had to move the broiler pen one morning in August 2017. After realizing weeks later in 2016 that the pullets had started to lay in August, I decided to keep a closer eye on their development. I had counted 6 hens that had started to get color in their facial features that morning. So I made a comparison of what I found, in case it interests anyone with chickens.
There is a correlation between the condition of the comb and the condition of the internal laying organs. The relative health and color of the comb can indicate how well a hen is laying. It's not the only indicator but with birds as young as these, the other physical characteristics are not yet present.
For older hens, here is an old leaflet I have found very useful:
http://goldenoakfarm.us/Cull…/CullingFarmPoultryLeaflet.html
These female birds are 16 weeks old. In 2 weeks we would be doing the cull to see which ones have matured enough to make the layer flock.
All photos taken the same day.
