Are they forming two separate flocks?

[PowellAnimals]

I have 29 chickens and 3 ducks between the ages of six weeks and three weeks. Different breeds but the majority are silkies. Most of them come out every morning and free range all day, sleep together, and generally panic if the others aren't around. I have six however (3 silkies, 1 polish, 1 seabright, 1 Sultan) all between 3-4 weeks that do not want to hang out with the others. They do not leave the coop, do not sleep with the others, run away from me and generally just keep to themselves. They were all raised together in a brooder and there are silkies, seabright, polish, and sultans in the other flock. At this point nobody seems to be picking on anyone else. Are they ever going to integrate or are they just going to remain separat? Will it cause me problems in the future, and if so, anything I can do to help?

 

[LRH97]

Was this particular group integrated into the existing flock? I find that if I integrate a younger group, they do stay with each other and like you said, keep to themselves. Over time, they do become more comfortable with the others in the flock however. It really does help that the birds aren't too far apart in age as well.

 

[PowellAnimals]

Yes, they actually came in with most of the others as day old chicks and have never been apart since the box they arrived in.

 

[LRH97]

Yes, they actually came in with most of the others as day old chicks and have never been apart since the box they arrived in.

As long as you don't notice brutal pecking and such, I'd say they just need to get a little bit of courage. I introduced two young Buff Orpingtons into my flock about a month and a half ago. I have been having to stick them in the coop every night since then. They'd be in a little pile somewhere outside. Last night they actually made it in by themselves. So they should make progress with some time.