I have 2 Silkie Roos (brothers that get along great) who are around 6 months old. I have them in with my 5 pullets ranging in age between 4-5 months old. Two are RIRs and 3 are Gold Comets. Well, the boys are afraid of the girls! The girls gave them a good chase and some pecks - nothing serious - and now my 2 sweet boys are scared of the girls. They pretty much give the girls space and steer clear of them. But on occasion, one of the reds will go after the boys. That will sometimes start a chain reaction. Again, nothing bad, no blood. The boys are pretty quick. They all settle in at night just fine - each one in their "own" special place in the coop.
The last roo we had was also a silkie - but he was hatchery stock and much larger than the brothers I currently have, which came from a breeder. And the new brothers are the same age as the former roo - which is a month older than our pullets. Our former roo kept the girls in line and did not take any junk from the ladies. (I'm sorry to say, he was taken by a coon while protecting his girls.
) I know RIRs can be tough birds, but they accepted the former roo with little problems. I am also aware of the whole pecking order thing. But I'm starting to wonder if the boys will ever take charge or stick up for themselves.
Will this settle down in a few days? Or am I doomed to have two boys scared of the girls?
The last roo we had was also a silkie - but he was hatchery stock and much larger than the brothers I currently have, which came from a breeder. And the new brothers are the same age as the former roo - which is a month older than our pullets. Our former roo kept the girls in line and did not take any junk from the ladies. (I'm sorry to say, he was taken by a coon while protecting his girls.
Will this settle down in a few days? Or am I doomed to have two boys scared of the girls?
