adding a single newcomer to a small flock?

[dftkarin]

I'm not sure where to post this question. I have 4 chickens (2 br, aba, aglw, all 6 months old, just starting to lay) and my son would love a silkie as a pet. Could I buy a young silkie, keep her seperated from my birds for a week or two and then try to add hre to my flock? Would my chickens peck her because she's alone and new?

 

[The Chicken Lady]

Great question!

First of all, the recommended quarantine time is about a month before adding a new bird to the flock.

Second, you're probably right that a bit of pecking will occur when the Silkie is introduced. Chickens have their "pecking order;" when new birds are added to the flock the normal order of things is disrupted. It will take them a week or so to figure out where the new bird belongs in their hierarchy. There are lots of hints and tips on BYC about things you can do to make the transition easier.

During that time, watch your birds for signs of injury. Chickens will pick at one another's wounds and make them worse if given the chance. It's just a weird thing about them. If a bird is injured, remove it from the flock and allow it to heal before returning it.