Best way to give up some of your hens?

[Solar Momma]

Hi everyone. My daughter and I have been raising chicks for a couple of months now. Some for a friend, specifically a couple of silkies. This was the plan from the beginning. We are trying to decide if we should just give our friend the 2 promised, or give up more, like 4 of them so they have a larger group going to a new flock already established. I just want the babies to feel safe when they go to their new home. It is tearing my daughter up, the thought of giving away MORE of her precious babies, but we want to do what is best for THEM. We will get over it I'm sure. Do you think a pair would do well in a new flock, new home? Or would it be better to give 4 together? The 4 would not all have been from the same batch, so they don't really mingle that much anyway. If that makes sense. Oh, the pain of letting go. We just love them so. Silly little birds just get right into your hearts, as I'm sure you guys know.

 

[Solar Momma]

HAHAHA!!! I re-read that, and it sounds like something out of Dr. Seuss!!! LOL.

 

[FeatherMom]

I don't know which would be better but I admire that you want to do what is best for them!!!!! Good luck.

 

[theoldchick]

Send 4 chicks to your friend. They like to be in a group, especially when they are young.

 

[janinepeters]

We are trying to decide if we should just give our friend the 2 promised, or give up more, like 4 of them so they have a larger group going to a new flock already established. I just want the babies to feel safe when they go to their new home. It is tearing my daughter up, the thought of giving away MORE of her precious babies, but we want to do what is best for THEM. We will get over it I'm sure. Do you think a pair would do well in a new flock, new home? Or would it be better to give 4 together? The 4 would not all have been from the same batch, so they don't really mingle that much anyway. If that makes sense. Oh, the pain of letting go. We just love them so. Silly little birds just get right into your hearts, as I'm sure you guys know.

Well, I hate to tell you to give up more, but it probably would be easier for the birds if you gave up more rather than fewer, even if they are not best of friends. The reason is that it is harder for the flock to focus their natural aggression to newcomers on several, rather than just the two, and your silkies are probably more comfortable with each other than they will be with your friend's flock. But it also depends on the situation. If your friend's flock consists of something like 4 dutch bantam hens, 2 new silkies would probably do just fine. But if your friend's flock consists of 10 full sized Rhode Island Reds, it would be very, very difficult for two gentle little silkies to integrate without some serious violence.

Also talk to your friend about the need to integrate them gradually. If she is not prepared to do that, then maybe you could offer to just keep them all yourself.

 

[SkyWarrior]

I'd give up 4 Silkies and then buy more chicks. Your daughter will be thrilled with the new editions.