Can I Keep My Silkie?

[thecreekhouse]

I’m wondering whether I need to rehome my Silkie pullet. My 6 pullets are all between 5 and 9 months old. I have 3 Ameracaunas, one Olive Egger, one Cochin and a white Silkie. They’ve all been together for about 2 months now. All 5 of my standard size pullets get along great but they all pick on my sweet little Silkie. They chase her and harass her, although I haven’t noticed any feather pulling. As a result of the harassment, my Silkie stays to herself, not coming out of the coop when the others do, only eating when the other pullets are finished and have moved away from the feed dispenser, not joining the other pullets to eat treats when I give them to the flock and so forth. She seems lonely. So my question is whether I need to rehome her, perhaps to someone with other Silkies? I’d hate to see her go because she’s so cute and sweet but I don’t want her to be unhappy. Do you think that the harassment might stop as they all start laying this spring? (I hope).

 

[sourland]

She is being targeted because she is smaller and 'different'. It is highly unlikely that this behavior will improve.

 

[thecreekhouse]

She is being targeted because she is smaller and 'different'. It is highly unlikely that this behavior will improve.

Do you think I should keep her or try to find a new home for her where they already have Silkies?

 

[NNYchick]

Unfortunately I see this post quite often. Silkies just don’t do well with other breeds, they are so docile they end up being at the bottom of the pecking order. Some people do get lucky but more often than not the Silkie is suffering the brunt of bullying. You can try to cut the crest away from her eyes to see if it helps if she can see better. The other concern is she is a vaulted skull breed and a peck on her head is going to result in neurological damage or death.

 

[EIEIO_farm]

I’m so sorry! Poor little Silkie.
I have 11 hens and 1 rooster, 3 of the hens are silkies. They are definitely smaller and can be easily picked on by the others. But, the 3 silkies (which are in their own little clique) stand up for each other and never leave each others sides. So my other hens leave them alone. I’m not sure if that would work for you, but power is in numbers for sure! Good luck!!