I’m new! Need tips!

[Veneanna]

I’m a newbie when it comes to chickens. I was given some chicks by my husband and he got no information from the person he got them from. I don’t even know how old they are! He asked for females only and I don’t even know if that what I have! Help would be greatly appreciated. I mainly want to know what breed I have he seems to think they are different breeds as well cause they have some similarities but some differences. I am in south Texas also if that helps. I have attached as many pics as I could get for now. one also has some fluffy feathers still on her legs. They both have an iridescent bluish/ greenish/ purple in their feathers. Idk if any of this info helps, but whatever you guys have to share certainly will help me. Tia!!

 

[FeatheredFriends&Horses2]

Welcome to BYC!!! I could be wrong, but looks like the one with feathers is a black Cochin, and the other, a black sex-link

 

[TooCheep]

Hello Veneanna and welcome to BYC! Don't have answers for you on genders/breeds, but I do have some misc. suggestions.

1. To make things easier in the future, it helps if you put your location in your profile so that everyone can see it. Answers that might be appropriate for TX in many cases are different from those in northern states.
2. If you are keeping them in that cage for the short term, please add shade immediately to give them relief from the sun and heat. A tarp over 1/2-2/3 of the cage would be good. Also, any form of waterer on the ground (most common for new setups) will get mucked up quickly and you should change it at least once/day.
3. That perch is the right idea, but much too narrow. Looks like it is about 1" wide. I'd recommend 2-4" wide- possibly something that would fill the space between those bars. Be sure to sand the upper corners so that they are rounded to be easier on their feet. Keep that bar under the tarp and they will have a natural place to stay at night.
4. That cage will do for the short term, but definitely isn't ideal for the longer term. There is plenty of info here, so dig in, do a lot of reading and ask questions. People here are very helpful.
5. Don't know how old they are, but they appear to still be young, not yet to laying age. So they are pullets (young females) and/or cockerels (young males).

Good luck and enjoy your new chickens!