2 v 3 v 4 Silkies? and Beware Ground Squirrels in Southern California

[HBN]

I had three 3.5 month old DNA-tested silkie pullets and a ground squirrel killed one of them. Yes, a ground squirrel. I searched these forums and there wasn’t much on ground squirrels as predators but the local feed store said the ones around here are vicious and it is not uncommon. I did so much to protect them from predators and had no idea I had to protect them from ground squirrels and I was heartbroken. I am now redoing my whole set up to keep them out. So just Fyi if you’re in southern California.

My question is whether and how to replace the third. The two I have are very bonded and I don’t know whether I should get a third (or fourth) and, if so, what age they should be. Should I get one that is much younger, the same age, or older? And should I get two so it doesn’t end up a 2 v. 1 situation because the existing two are so bonded? Or is it ok to just have these two? I know more is better for them, but I think I’d prefer to just keep these two for now but don't want to make it harder to integrate a new bird later and I also want to make them as happy as possible. My pullet was killed on 5/18 if that factors into when to get more. These are pets, not really for the eggs or any other purpose. Any guidance appreciated.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I had three 3.5 month old DNA-tested silkie pullets and a ground squirrel killed one of them. Yes, a ground squirrel. I searched these forums and there wasn’t much on ground squirrels as predators but the local feed store said the ones around here are vicious and it is not uncommon. I did so much to protect them from predators and had no idea I had to protect them from ground squirrels and I was heartbroken. I am now redoing my whole set up to keep them out. So just Fyi if you’re in southern California.

My question is whether and how to replace the third. The two I have are very bonded and I don’t know whether I should get a third (or fourth) and, if so, what age they should be. Should I get one that is much younger, the same age, or older? And should I get two so it doesn’t end up a 2 v. 1 situation because the existing two are so bonded? Or is it ok to just have these two? I know more is better for them, but I think I’d prefer to just keep these two for now or just get one more, rather than two but I also want to make them as happy as possible and don't want to set up a situation where the third is bullied. My pullet was killed on 5/18 if that factors into when to get more. These are pets, not really for the eggs or any other purpose. Any guidance appreciated.

I am so sorry you lost your silkie. Never heard of ground squirrels as predators, maybe they are territorial?
You would like need to have a covered coop/run that also has hardware cloth or similar on the floor of the run, as the squirrels can dig under.
If you do decide to get a third, similar age would be best. It is not too hard to add new birds at this age, much more difficult once they start laying.
Good luck.

 

[HBN]

I am so sorry you lost your silkie. Never heard of ground squirrels as predators, maybe they are territorial?
You would like need to have a covered coop/run that also has hardware cloth or similar on the floor of the run, as the squirrels can dig under.
If you do decide to get a third, similar age would be best. It is not too hard to add new birds at this age, much more difficult once they start laying.
Good luck.

Thanks so much. I'll be putting hardware cloth over the entire thing, which is no small feat as it is 60x12 (it is covered) so the pullets are living in my living room until I get it done. Do you think I'll be denying them a good chicken life if I only keep two? Appreciate your thoughts!

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Thanks so much. I'll be putting hardware cloth over the entire thing, which is no small feat as it is 60x12 (it is covered) so the pullets are living in my living room until I get it done. Do you think I'll be denying them a good chicken life if I only keep two? Appreciate your thoughts!

As long as they have a buddy I’m sure they’ll be fine. It’s nice to have three though in case you lose another one. You never know.

 

[rosemarythyme]

2 is fine but 3 or 4 is better, mostly because if something happens to one of the remaining 2, it'll be alone until you add more birds. That said, nothing says you need to add them right now. Maybe you could get 2 more chicks next year and integrate them in. I personally like having a mixed age flock although that's primarily for egg production consistency.

 

[HBN]

As long as they have a buddy I’m sure they’ll be fine. It’s nice to have three though in case you lose another one. You never know.

Thank you!

 

[HBN]

2 is fine but 3 or 4 is better, mostly because if something happens to one of the remaining 2, it'll be alone until you add more birds. That said, nothing says you need to add them right now. Maybe you could get 2 more chicks next year and integrate them in. I personally like having a mixed age flock although that's primarily for egg production consistency.

Thanks so much. It is good to know that I don’t need to do anything right now if I’m not ready. Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Xouie]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I caught one of those little monsters red-pawed and still chewing once.

I like to have hens in pairs of varying ages. It has worked really well so far, but if one of a pair dies.... I don’t know.

 

[HBN]

I’m so sorry this happened to you. I caught one of those little monsters red-pawed and still chewing once.

I like to have hens in pairs of varying ages. It has worked really well so far, but if one of a pair dies.... I don’t know.

I’m so sorry this happened to you as well
That might be a good option - I’ve been hand raising these girls inside and the thought of starting over with new ones or messing with their dynamic seems tiring right now. I am so sad this happened and especially because they got my favorite baby

 

[FennecMom]

Hello - very sorry you lost your favorite hen to a squirrel. That is a tough loss

I'm also in SoCal - I'm a new flock keeper and haven't started free ranging my 4 hens yet. But I've been told by people in the area that squirrels will fight the chickens for food. I guess the squirrels around here often try to eat the chicken feed and get very territorial about it.

Wishing you and your flock health and happiness.