Calling all Blind chicken experts!

I am calling on all of you that have experience with caring for blind chickens.
I have a totally blind silkie that is now probably about 3 ½ months old now. I have been keeping her inside with the chicks and she is doing OK however I was wondering if any of you have successfully had a blind chicken in with a flock. I have had several groups of chicks different ages and all have gotten to know her and do fine with her. The older chcikens I had before she came to me also seem to be fine and not pick on her or anything. Also, the group that she had originally come with seems to take her right back into their group. She actually seems to enjoy being in the coop when I take her out there to be one of the big guys!
She is very sweet and does not have a mean bone in her. I have never seen her as much as peck at one of the chicks even though they bounce all over her. She loves to snuggle and also likes to hang with me and just snuggle on my shoulder.
I would like to try to have her be a “normal” chicken as much as she can but has anyone had one within a flock? Or should I just get used to the fact that she will be an indoor chicken forever? I have a flock of different age groups but they do free range.
Just wondering what would be best, try to have her out with the flock or just have her become accustomed to being an indoor chicken with “outings” with the big guys under supervision.
Do you have any suggestions on what has or has not worked for you?
I don’t believe now would be a good time because of the cold and when I did have her in the coop, she knocked the waterer over and got some on her. So, I would think I would have to wait until it warms up a bit to even give it a try outside.
Also, if I should just keep her inside, I know sometimes a buddy is good to have with them BUT, is it really fair to the buddy to not be out and about with the other chickens???
Sorry, for all the questions, just trying to figure out the best way to care for her.

Thanks!

 

Quote:Thank you!!

Quote:I am so sorry for your loss! I know they do tend to become one of your special chickens very quickly!

I have been extremely fortunate with predators so far but I do know there can and most likely will be a first time for that. I guess the biggest thing I worry about is that she will walk and not know how to get back to the coop??? There is alot of field & woods for her to wander in if she goes far enough.

I have 2 youngsters that really do seem to stick with her though. These are 8 week olds, a little roo leghorn/silkie mix & a silkie unknown. But each time I had seen "Honey" at the feeder, these two were right with her. Not sure if they were helping her or just hanging out with her???

 

I had gotten Honey when she was about 8 weeks old. Her previous owner did not know she was blind. Apparently she adapted to her original home but had issues when she arrived at my place because everything was different. By the time I figured this out, she was very weakened form lack of food & water because she couldn't find it. She already had that very sweet personality and I could only try to help her because of that. I got her up and going strong again. Yes, it is alot of work. I still supplement her with moistened chick feed w/ vitamins. She does find the feeders now but seems to get "lost" and I don't think she is getting enough. So, I am still hand feeding her 2-3 times a day.
I always say, things happen for a reason and it was very unexpected how this group of silkies had come to my home. So, I think it was meant to be, for whatever reason, so I will give it a try to do what I can for her.

 

Quote:Do have this inside the coop? I have a really huge converted stall to coop in the barn. I could make like a little separate area for her in there, I guess???? It would have to be something that the others don't sit on and poop on her though! LOL