Adding new pullets to current coop...

[TNchickenmama]

Since the coons wiped out my flock, I am left with ONE hen and my a$$hole rooster Cogburn. (I also have 2 rabbits in pen, it’s large.)

I got 6 new pullets yesterday from my neighbor. I use “pullets” loosely since some of them do look like they may be cockerels. He said they are abt 12 wks old. He bought 50 from Rural King. I’m guessing he got a bulk price! Lol!

1-How do I sex them?
2-Can I just let them out with the other hen/roo/bunnies without worry they’ll get hurt? (Will hen “mother” them? Will Cogburn attack or protect?)
3-There are 3 that I don’t know breed of. They are almost completely black with just a spot or stripe of white in wings. (Supposedly Jersey Giants?)

Any help is appreciated. I will post pics if needed.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I would do a quarantine period first. That will give the chicks a couple more weeks of growth. The older birds may appreciate new friends by then. An added benefit is that there are more of the young birds.
When dealing with several breeds, it is a little more difficult to distinguish males from females till a little older. But in general, cockerels' combs will grow larger faster, the hackle and wing feathers will be pointy and pullets' rounded. Cockerels will develop curved tail feathers.

 

[TNchickenmama]

Thanks for the advice, ChickenCanoe!! I’ll update as we go along!

 

[TNchickenmama]

Also, does anyone know if the eyes change color? These all have greenish/gray eyes and I’d love for them to stay that way!! A lot prettier - and less menacing - as the red eyed monsters I have! Lol

 

[IZZYBELLA]

Definitely do a quarantine period first to make sure the new group doesn't develop any funky symptoms. When it is time to integrate, you want to do it gradually. Here is how I typically do it... start off with several days of "see but don't touch." (I run wire down the center of my run so they can see and smell each other, but can't get at each other.) Then do some supervised free ranging if you are able. I find that when they aren't contained and meet on a "neutral" zone they are less likely to be violent towards the new ones. Finally, put the new group on the roost one night and keep an eye on them early in the AM to make sure no blood is shed. Make sure you have multiple feeders, multiple waterers and plenty of places for the new birds to hide. The good thing is that your new birds will outnumber the old, so that should make it easier for them.

 

[TNchickenmama]

Thanks IZZYBELLA! I do have them separated from the others. I had them in the actual "coop"/house with the door shut. Today, I opened the door, but blocked them from going out into the lot with the others. The bunnies did hop the barrier, but they are just curious and being completely cool with the new friends! I'm going to give it a couple days, as suggested, and then remove the barrier. I'm excited!