Hi all. I'm hoping I can get some advice.
I intended to start keeping chickens for eggs and occasionally meat (lots of questions about that but that's another topic). I have been in the process of planning, clearing and building/converting a house and run and I'd ordered some eggs to hatch which should be here this week. Everything is ready for hatching chicks. I thought I had plenty of time until they go outside so I wasn't rushing. Yesterday, I had a surprise box left by my back gate. When I looked inside, it contained two of these. :scratch:
I had no where to put them so I hastily emptied the greenhouse - as you can tell by the cherry tomatoes on the floor! - and they are in there for now. Can anyone have an educated guess as to what breed they are? I know it's difficult with the state of the feathers. Those white areas are bald patches. Is this the moult? They are very smelly too.
As well as the breed I'd also like to ask if l'd be able to introduce my chickens (not counting htem before they've hatched honest!) to these two once they've settled? Or do I take the huge step and perform my first dispatching :shock:(which will be difficult as one already follows me around the garden like a shadow). Would they instead be useful and produce eggs while I'm waiting for mine to grow? :?