New hens arrived

[katekearby]

three EEs came yesterday, they are suppose to be 18 weeks old by their birthdate. one is a bit smaller then the other 2, but looks mature. I increased the covered safe play yard to 14x30' photos included here. The older, about 22 week old, hens are not happy about being cooped..... when do you think I could release them into the yard for the days. The EEs are hanging out close to the big girls coop? Still no eggs here. Thinking I have given up looking... but I will check before noon.

 

[katekearby]

 

[Percheron chick]

If you are talking about just letting them out in the fenced yard, I'd go ahead and do it. If you are talking turning them loose into the great beyond, I'd hold off for at least a week. The older girls do look close. You've got a nice colorful selection. BYW, #3 is a rooster. Nice colorful feathering but unfortunately, rooster.

 

[katekearby]

the little one, hum, no crowing yet that i've heard, very quiet and shy non confontational, I bought them from Meyer Hatchery as 18 week old 'started pullets' , they all kind of ruffle those neck feathers, and if any were roosters I'd more bet on the big dark one. Anyway, if it is a Roo it will be short lived here. Someone will need to get anything that crows or they'll be dead quick.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If you are talking about just letting them out in the fenced yard, I'd go ahead and do it. If you are talking turning them loose into the great beyond, I'd hold off for at least a week. The older girls do look close. You've got a nice colorful selection. BYW, #3 is a rooster. Nice colorful feathering but unfortunately, rooster.

Based on what? I am not seeing anything particularly rooish - especially given the age of the bird.

 

[Percheron chick]

I'm referring to the second picture with 2 obvious pullets and one dead rainbow rooster.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

DOH- I didn't even notice that one

 

[katekearby]

I'm referring to the second picture with 2 obvious pullets and one dead rainbow rooster.

Thank you so much, you had me worried, yes the good roo, the silent one. still no eggs from the older girls, i turned them out with some extra scratch and that new larger yard with lots of grass and bugs. they did a little feather pulling and running around, hope they are ok and we'll see where they settle tonight.