Adding Silkies in with the ladies

[massiveme]

We currently have 2 each: rhode island reds, buff orphingtons, plymouth rocks and easter eggers (1 cockerel, 1 pullet). We also have 4 silkies that are about 4 months old.

First question: 2 of the chicks turned out to be roos. Should i get rid of them before I mingle or can I wait? (We're still deciding if we're going to keep them).

Second: When can I integrate? Im a little scared since theyre so much smaller than the other ladies and man.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

Personally, and this is just me because other folks put Silkies in with their big layers without issue, I would keep them separate. They're always going to be quite a bit smaller than your other birds. The size difference puts them at a disadvantage from the get go. RIRs are a breed that has a reputation for being on the aggressive side, and Silkies are typically their polar opposites. If your Silkies end up with large crests, they won't see well either. Add all that to the size difference and you could be in for a bit of heartbreak. Not too mention when your Silkie girls start laying, and your EE roo tries to mate them (as its highly likely that he'll be the dominate rooster in your flock).

You never know, they could live harmoniously. But keep in mind that even just normal pecking order stuff might be pretty brutal for them.

If you do integrate them, I'd keep the little cockerels around for a while. 4 birds will be better then 2, it'll spread the bullying around a bit.

Good luck.

 

[massiveme]

We've free ranged them together and for the most part theyre ok. The RIR dont really pay any mind to them, though they are are at the top of the pecking order. Its the buff orphington that pecks at them.