Poultry Judging Practice Test

What is considered a key characteristic of a good layer?

1. Strong, thick legs

2. Large body size

3. Bright red comb and wattles

4. Short, compact feathering

The correct answer is: Bright red comb and wattles

A key characteristic of a good layer is the presence of bright red comb and wattles. This is because the coloration is an indicator of a hen's overall health and reproductive status. When hens are in good health and ready to lay eggs, their combs and wattles will exhibit a vibrant red hue due to increased blood flow and hormone activity. This physiological change signifies that the hen is ready to participate in egg production, which is essential for evaluating laying breeds. In contrast, while strong legs and body size can contribute to a hen's overall robustness, they do not specifically indicate her capacity to lay eggs effectively. Additionally, short and compact feathering is not a recognized characteristic of good laying hens, as this does not correlate with egg production capabilities. Hence, bright red combs and wattles serve as vital visual cues for assessing a hen's readiness to lay.