What are they?

[chicken moma]

Someone dropped off 2 young chicken. 2 nights ago we had 2 strangers in the yard, they are not from the feral pack, they do not look like they have bantam? I dont know how old they are ? to me they look like : 2 female, young, even though they are bigger than the wild chicks we have in the area, they are ruddy coloured with a light (patchy cream?) head, they are fluffy, compared to the wild chicks, and stick together like they are glued. I think maybe Rhode Islands? but from where ?? When I found they they were not fearful of human but would not let me touch them. the were chirping like they were looking for something. I tried to feed them scratch that I give to the wild, but they were not really interested? they were very happy grubbing in the yard constantly, but seemed lost? I know some left them, why I dont know. I will try to post a picture hoping someone can help identify. They are still in my front yard, last night we had a get together for the holiday, ( no bird haha) and the chicks were still up and grubbing around at midnight? We caught them and roosted them in a box in the shed over night this am I let them out and they are grubbing again, they are not interested in the scratch feed that I add oatmeal and chicken pellets to,? so I dont know what to do with them they are rather cute and have fluffy butts, but I really think they are young, I thought they knew how to roost when the sun went down the wild do? any thoughts anyone?

 

[21hens-incharge]

They look like young production reds.
They seem to still have baby colored feathers by their faces.

 

[Gray Farms]

I'd say they are Production Reds as well. And with that much pink comb this young you've likely got two cockerels.

 

[chicken moma]

if they are Roos then it makes sense they were dumped! right now they are very sweet and joined at the hip. Dont know what to do with them they stay away from the wild population down the street and have become content around my front yard for the moment. I wish people wouldn't dump them, I'm guessing they were trying for hens and bad luck both boys. Thanks for the info.

 

[sourland]

I agree - production red cockerels.

 

[chicken moma]

Thanks for the input: Ok here's what I have just found out: (not sure I believe it but )it seems I have inherited two reds. I found the former owner, a neighbour, I ask him out right if they were his chicken. He 'let them go' they are RIR hens he wanted for eggs but his dog ( A blue pit, Chained in the back yard) likes to chase and bite them ? he had them in a small cage, and they like to eat all day! (I think maybe worms? )when I caught them they seemed skinny compared with the wild I feed, who eat everything, but then these are picky eaters. hunt and scratch all day and excited to eat when I show up, but not fond of scratch? or bread? or oats? or anything I have tried. (did eat a little rice and pork scraps? ) He ask if I wanted the extra feed? so of course I said yes. he had them on the fancy organic mix from the feed store, I put some down for them and they gobbled it. Now to ween them onto a more 'everything' diet so they have a fighting chance. I cannot keep a coop but I can make sure the wild ones that stay in the yard are healthy. I suspect you guys are correct and he is misleading probably Roos that's why he let go. they are about 3-4 months, so still babies. poor things I may try to catch and take them to the feed store, it seems wrong to just leave them wild like that. This is a great site for information you guys are awesome.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

Could you get clearer pictures of their heads? I'm not sure they're cockerels. As for breed, they look like production reds or rhode island reds.

 

[JedJackson]

Thanks for the input: Ok here's what I have just found out: (not sure I believe it but )it seems I have inherited two reds. I found the former owner, a neighbour, I ask him out right if they were his chicken. He 'let them go' they are RIR hens he wanted for eggs but his dog ( A blue pit, Chained in the back yard) likes to chase and bite them ? he had them in a small cage, and they like to eat all day! (I think maybe worms? )when I caught them they seemed skinny compared with the wild I feed, who eat everything, but then these are picky eaters. hunt and scratch all day and excited to eat when I show up, but not fond of scratch? or bread? or oats? or anything I have tried. (did eat a little rice and pork scraps? ) He ask if I wanted the extra feed? so of course I said yes. he had them on the fancy organic mix from the feed store, I put some down for them and they gobbled it. Now to ween them onto a more 'everything' diet so they have a fighting chance. I cannot keep a coop but I can make sure the wild ones that stay in the yard are healthy. I suspect you guys are correct and he is misleading probably Roos that's why he let go. they are about 3-4 months, so still babies. poor things I may try to catch and take them to the feed store, it seems wrong to just leave them wild like that. This is a great site for information you guys are awesome.

Poor chicks. It's nice of you to look after them after that jerk 'let them go' with no thought about their well-being. Maybe the feed store will take them or let you leave a note if they have a bulletin board. The chicks definitely don't look like they're cut out for life in the wild, especially at that age.

 

[drumstick diva]

I'd guess production reds also. You aren't kidding what a jerk - even though he fed them organic feed