Adding 3 large breed chicks in with my Silkie chicks... tips?

[MydearWatson]

Hi!

I have two 5 day old, precious as can be, Silkies.

I have decided to add an Orp, Australorp and Maran to my flock. They are only a day or two older than my Silkies but double the size. I'm looking for tips and suggestions as to how to make one big happy family. What problems might I encounter?

Thanks so much!!

 

[kingdr85]

If they grow up together I do not see any issues, they will work out their ranking early and who knows....you might end up with a silkie being the leader.

 

[teach1rusl]

Personally, I think the chances of things going smoothly would be better if the LF chicks were several days younger than the silkies, but that doesn't sound like an option. I would be diligent about observing them, and have a wire divider, extra lamp and feed/water dishes ready just in case things don't go smoothly. You can always separate them within the same brooder for a few days if things go badly.

 

[MydearWatson]

Thanks for the replies! They have been in the brooder together for over 4 hours and no problems! Phew! It appears my Silkies can totally hold their own, but the Orpingtons are so incredibly sweet there isn't much drama anyway. So relieved!

 

[zoa]

I have had my silkies together with my EE's since they were both a couple days old and I haven't had any problems... I think it is funny that the silkies are 2 to 3 times smaller than the EE's, but they don't seem to realize it