What observable trait might indicate a hen's age in terms of laying ability?

The observable trait that might indicate a hen's age in terms of laying ability is the shank color. As hens mature and reach their peak laying age, the color of their shanks tends to change. Young hens typically have bright, vibrant shank colors, while older hens may exhibit a duller or lighter shank color as they start to age and their laying ability declines. This change in shank color can serve as a visual cue for poultry exhibitors to assess the age of the hen and predict her productivity in laying eggs.

In contrast, while size, feather quality, and body weight can provide some insights into a hen’s overall health and maturity, they are not as directly linked to laying ability and age as shank color is. Size may vary significantly among breeds and does not correspond consistently to age. Feather quality can also be affected by various factors, including nutrition and health, making it less reliable as an age indicator. Body weight might inform about the general condition of the hen but does not specifically signal her age in relation to laying productivity. Thus, shank color is the most relevant trait for indicating a hen’s age and, consequently, her laying capabilities.