Do I have hens and what breed are they?

[Maitlandchick]

Thanks for the advice! Since I'm allowed 4 hens, we purchased a Rhode Island Red and barred rock biddy last weekend at the feed store. We are putting them in an enclosure in the coop with the older biddies so they can get used to each other. The one we expect could be a rooster goes crazy over the little ones. I really think she/he would kill them. How soon can we leave all these chicks in the coop over night ? Right now we have them in separate cat carriers that we bring inside or in the garage at night.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Usually chicks will be fully feathered around six weeks and should be fine without heat unless you have a real cold snap. With combining the two flocks, not sure how old the younger ones are, but they should be about the same size when you combine them, keeping them separated by wire so they get used to each other until them usually makes combining the flocks pretty easy. There is a nice article in the Learning Center on adding to your flock https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! When you see the comb start to turn pink/red that is a pretty good indicator of a cockerel at that age. Good luck to you.