Bought the Boks!

[Chixmixopolis]

Welcome to BYC.
I would not add a single silkie to your flock (or any other flock). Not only are they smaller, but the crest will be a target, and it visually handicaps them. And, at 4 to 6 weeks your flock will began establishing a pecking order. If the silkie turns out to be a male, it may do ok as it gets older.
Cochins are so gentle and sweet natured that they get bullied. Rhode islands and bared rocks are very people friendly, but can be big bullies toward younger or gentle breeds.
It's hard to limit oneself, but you may have less stress if you don't add more. (Voice of experience speaking. )

Great input. I have friends and "self proclaimed chicken pros" who own only a single & flock is great but others who have issues. Just so hard to know. Thought maybe this flock was young enough to include. Would having two silkies make a difference then? And what about the frizzles then? Actually more interested in maybe two frizzles?!

 

[Chixmixopolis]

Welcome to BYC.
I would not add a single silkie to your flock (or any other flock). Not only are they smaller, but the crest will be a target, and it visually handicaps them. And, at 4 to 6 weeks your flock will began establishing a pecking order. If the silkie turns out to be a male, it may do ok as it gets older.
Cochins are so gentle and sweet natured that they get bullied. Rhode islands and bared rocks are very people friendly, but can be big bullies toward younger or gentle breeds.
It's hard to limit oneself, but you may have less stress if you don't add more. (Voice of experience speaking. )

Okay, haha, let me start by saying I know that was a ridiculous follow up question ("what about two Silkie then") . I am still in the newbie phase of "maybe everything in MY flock will get along against all odds" so I was giving you a chance to call me a dork! I DO understand the silkie deal and that 2 or 20 may not be any better than 1 but they are so dang cute! (Like very mini mini alpacas out there milling around ) I have a thing for the frizzles too though and am wondering if maybe that route would be any better. My Welsummer seems the most timid and small right now. My salmon is physically the teencist but she has a BIG personality! I'm sure status will change 100x in next few weeks!

 

[Boppo]

Glad to meet you, and best wishes with your flock. You have been given some good advice about your question on adding new chicks. I do know that some folks have multiple coops and runs, but that's a lot of building.

You listed a LOT of predators (actually I think we all have versions of everything you listed, even if we don't know it). Would you like a couple articles about protecting coop and run from predators?

Predator protection for new & existing coops

Electric Fencing made easy (to understand at least)

 

[janiedoe]

Great input. I have friends and "self proclaimed chicken pros" who own only a single & flock is great but others who have issues. Just so hard to know. Thought maybe this flock was young enough to include. Would having two silkies make a difference then? And what about the frizzles then? Actually more interested in maybe two frizzles?!

I do think two of a kind would be easier to integrate. Are you aware that all frizzles don't frizzle? Some may be smooth feathered. (All cochins are cute, irregardless)
Also you should not breed a frizzle to a frizzle, that can cause internal and external issues.
If you get them, and one, or both are roosters will you be able to keep them?

 

[Chixmixopolis]

I do think two of a kind would be easier to integrate. Are you aware that all frizzles don't frizzle? Some may be smooth feathered. (All cochins are cute, irregardless)
Also you should not breed a frizzle to a frizzle, that can cause internal and external issues.
If you get them, and one, or both are roosters will you be able to keep them?

I DO know about frazzles & heslth issues, yes and I'm aware of possibility of no feather curls but yes I love cochin anyway. Not new to chickens, just to owning and managing my own flock! As far as Roos, still crossing fingers I don't get any. Not wanting to breed AT ALL so may look to remove if I end up with one...or if he is sweet, well, he may get a pass to stay!

 

[Chixmixopolis]

Glad to meet you, and best wishes with your flock. You have been given some good advice about your question on adding new chicks. I do know that some folks have multiple coops and runs, but that's a lot of building.

You listed a LOT of predators (actually I think we all have versions of everything you listed, even if we don't know it). Would you like a couple articles about protecting coop and run from predators?

Predator protection for new & existing coops

Electric Fencing made easy (to understand at least)

I'll def read them!! We have runs that are overkill for strength unless our raccoons are as heavy as bears and I think this run would hold them even. We have fortified with hardware cloth where needed and there is anti-dig perimeter hardware cloth as well. We are dog-less currently but that always kept our predators from settling in as well. Our neighbors have chickens so we are also part of neighborhood chicken watch. Something could always happen, but that's out of city living....

 

[Blue Raptor]

Hi all. Was around chickens when little (grew up in MT) but just started a backyard mixed flock in SW WA where we have 3 acres. (But also giant hawks, eagles, coyotes, wild dog packs, weasels, coons, etc so a larger run and a coop more than open free range unless we are out with them.) Focused on friendly, quiet unique egg layers. Some will just simply be for "flock fun & interest". Have 8 now. 4 of which are 1.5 weeks, 4 that are 2.5 weeks. 1 each Rhode Island Red, Blue Australorp, Buff Orpington, Welsummer, Easter Egger, Salmon Faverolle, Speckled Sussex and a Barred Rock. All seem to be doing really well and no bullying. ( NOT certain we'd even see this yet in pecking order). Curious because chicks I wanted do not all come in at same time if I can still add a Frizzle Cochin Bantam and a Silkie bantam to my flock, both within next 1.5 weeks, but 6 days apart as well. I know bantam are much smaller anyway and now they would also be the youngest additions. It seems to be 50/50 on who says they are still young enough to separate for just a few days to a week then add to others and those that say they may need to be separated for much longer then added or not at all. All are indoors still. Will be until 6-11 weeks likely. Worried about having just a single chick separated from rest at all even though in same brooder with divider. Great advice abounds here so hoping this compels you to give me your opinion!

Welcome to BYC!!

 

[Tookie]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! We're so happy to have you with us!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!