I'm not experienced at judging this, but I was surprised at how glossy and healthy they looked, not what I was expecting. Not straggly-feathered or starving looking. The only thing I noticed was that most hens had pinkish-red combs and 1-3 had distinctly pale, almost cream-white combs and that didn't seem right. Their feathers looked great. They behaved casually, didn't mob the food.
And the rooster is stunning. Though maybe all roosters are! He seemed to be twice as big as the hens. I doubted my ability to manage holding him as I've read you're supposed to, I am hoping he will be subdued at night. Even a grip on his legs might be hard. He looked so strong. His legs were incredible, tall & big around, glossy smooth, blue washes in there and with a shiny nub of a spur started. Beautiful comb and wattles. Bright eyes. He seemed hungriest, and the two hens that paid attention to him followed his lead in finding the food. He walked right into the dog crate next to me and they were soon in there with him.
I think the hens were more savvy than this fine fellow though. I was mulling how to get them out and into the other crate without panicking them, and I gently closed the two doors to keep them in and think about it. In a little while the hens realized there wasn't a way out and began looking on all sides and getting nervous, but the rooster was pecking away at the food, paying no attention. Then the hens got panicky, and still he had no idea. The other hens around the crate eating food there noticed the commotion too, but the rooster, in noticing it eventually, looked confused: "What's the problem? Look at this food!" I let them out. The flock wandered away a little. Interestingly, after a little time away resting and preening, followed by a sunbath, they all came back. I love the rhythm of the chickens.
When I go back soon I will take more pictures. I hope they will still be okay when I find them.
