Cochin chick updated 11 1/2 week photos and opinions on intergreation with old chickens and rooster.

[brahmamamamak]

• The first picture is of the four that I believe are pullets. The last two pictures are of the one that I believe may indeed be a cockerel. Right now, I have them in the front room of my coop. Last year on a whim because I thought they were cute. I ordered six white crusted Polish chicks, one of which ended up being a rooster. I have 17 Cochins and two 12 year old white Brahmas, should I keep him and the new Cochins separated maybe adding a few from the other coop or do you think it is safe to integrate? I really would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks.

 

[JedJackson]

The one in the last two photos is looking like a cockerel. The rest look to be pullets.

I would try integrating them as soon as you can. It's much better to bring in the new ones when they are still relatively young. Polish roosters generally aren't too aggressive, so hopefully yours won't be. Problems may crop up if the Cochin rooster tries to assert dominance over the Polish at some point. It's really a wait and see kind of thing. The pullets will also be bullied by the other hens, so you really have to keep an eye on things until they settle down.

If you have the space, you may prefer to keep them separate, and there's nothing wrong with that, either.

 

[brahmamamamak]

The one in the last two photos is looking like a cockerel. The rest look to be pullets.

I would try integrating them as soon as you can. It's much better to bring in the new ones when they are still relatively young. Polish roosters generally aren't too aggressive, so hopefully yours won't be. Problems may crop up if the Cochin rooster tries to assert dominance over the Polish at some point. It's really a wait and see kind of thing. The pullets will also be bullied by the other hens, so you really have to keep an eye on things until they settle down.

If you have the space, you may prefer to keep them separate, and there's nothing wrong with that, either.

Thank you for your response. Right now I have them in the front room which is 6’x 12’. I can set up nesting boxes and install a pop door to the outdoor run that I can separate until I can add on in the spring. I never order anything but pullets but I guess it happens. I do have a couple of Cochins that are bullied that I probably should put in with the kids. My polish rooster does his job with the girls he stops fighting and isn’t aggressive with breeding. I just want to keep everyone safe. Again, thank you for replying to my post.