Adding Chickens To My Flock

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Alright, so I have a flock of 9 hens. I am going to introduce a Silkie Rooster and an Ancona Hen tomorrow. The rooster and hen have lived together for a year now and they have lived in a separate coop from the other hens. The two can see the other hens also. When I let them all out to free range, the Silkie Rooster and my other hens fight. Also some of the hens pick on the Ancona hen. Will the two be okay or will they get beat up to death?? Feedback will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[LoveThemBirds]

I doubt the hens will be able to kill the rooster,but the roo may accidently kill the hens.The ancona should be okay,once they are accepted into the flock.They will wanna make a pecking order.This envolves a lot of pecking,or even fighting.The rooster should easily put the hens in their place.


I added new pullets and cockerals in my flock,and the first thing they all did was attack the chicks.The rooster rapidly RIP feathers from the pullet.He also leaped and beat the other pullet up.Usaully dearing feeding time or snack time,Joe,the rooster,will chase the cockerals around pecking them.This is just normal.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

I doubt the hens will be able to kill the rooster,but the roo may accidently kill the hens.The ancona should be okay,once they are accepted into the flock.They will wanna make a pecking order.This envolves a lot of pecking,or even fighting.The rooster should easily put the hens in their place.


I added new pullets and cockerals in my flock,and the first thing they all did was attack the chicks.The rooster rapidly RIP feathers from the pullet.He also leaped and beat the other pullet up.Usaully dearing feeding time or snack time,Joe,the rooster,will chase the cockerals around pecking them.This is just normal.

Thank you so much for your feedback. I was thinking the same thing you thought. I just wanted to hear it from someone else. The one time I had them free ranging, the roosters comb was even bleeding. Yikes, hope that don't happen again.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

Anyone else have any feedback?

 

[Folly's place]

Silkies are small and fragile; I would watch carefully if all your hens are big. Usually things will work out after some skirmishing. Mary

 

[sagealbright]

When I added my silkie rooster he was great. My girls took to him right away and my Cochin frizzle roo even stepped aside and let me silkie too take charge! Not sure if it's true with all silkie roosters but mine is extremely mean to people, including me. He flogs me every time I get in his way and bites me. Once my silkie chicks get old enough to go outside I will be replacing him with one of them that I hand raised. So I would be careful in case yours becomes aggressive too. I wouldn't worry about introducing him to your girls though. I introduced three Belgium D'uccles a month ago and after a few pecks that all became one big happy flock. Just observe them at first to make sure everything is going smoothly.

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

When I added my silkie rooster he was great. My girls took to him right away and my Cochin frizzle roo even stepped aside and let me silkie too take charge! Not sure if it's true with all silkie roosters but mine is extremely mean to people, including me. He flogs me every time I get in his way and bites me. Once my silkie chicks get old enough to go outside I will be replacing him with one of them that I hand raised. So I would be careful in case yours becomes aggressive too. I wouldn't worry about introducing him to your girls though. I introduced three Belgium D'uccles a month ago and after a few pecks that all became one big happy flock. Just observe them at first to make sure everything is going smoothly.

It seems like everything is going smoothly. But he kinda stays away from the hens. He usually stays in the coop while they're in the run. Sometimes when he's walking by they'll peck him and he'll run away from them. Will this stop?

 

[sagealbright]

It seems like everything is going smoothly. But he kinda stays away from the hens. He usually stays in the coop while they're in the run. Sometimes when he's walking by they'll peck him and he'll run away from them. Will this stop?

I'm sure it will. They just aren't used to him yet. As long as it's a quick peck and they aren't drawing blood I wouldn't worry. He just needs to prove himself to them. Just keep an eye on him.

 

[LoveThemBirds]

It should stop.

He is a silkie,so he may never show them up....

 

[CHICKENFARMER22]

O

I'm sure it will. They just aren't used to him yet. As long as it's a quick peck and they aren't drawing blood I wouldn't worry. He just needs to prove himself to them. Just keep an eye on him.

Okay. I don't think they're drawing blood from him or anything. I'm hoping he shows them up so that their eggs get fertile so I can hatch chicks out.