Can Silkies be added to an existing flock of regular sized hens?

[jonig]

We are new chicken keepers. We obtained day old chicks in early May. We started with 6 but now have 4 due to a dog getting 2. They are 18 weeks old now. We have large run and coop. My son had 3 Buff Orpingtons that he didn't have time for. They are about 13 weeks old. He was not certain of their age at the time he purchased them in early July. They are the same size as my Danish Leghorn, but do appear younger due to their combs and color. We are integrating them into our flock without too much problem, but still keep them separated if not supervised. We just took the Buffs 4 days ago.
My son also has 6 Silkies that he wants to rehome. He got them July 2nd as 1 day old chicks, so they are about 10 weeks old. Can we safely integrate the 6 Silkies into our existing flock that will soon be 7 regular sized birds? If not, we will just build a smaller coop and run just for them. I've seen others post that they have Silkies and other birds, but didn't know if they were raised from chicks together or not.

 

[K.Riggs]

I added a few very small bantams to my flock. I don't see why not not just do it slowly and watch out for them. Keep them next to each other so they can see each other. Once they seem to not be worried by them free range them together so the silkies can get away easily. Then one night go and grab the new birds from their coop and put them in the existing coop on the floor. Wait and see for a few nights if they are allowed to roost and if not go out at night and put them up on the roost. Make sure your roost has plenty of room. This is how i did it.

 

[K.Riggs]

Oh and be prepared to have them separately if it doesn't work out but usually I think they end up working out a new pecking order.

 

[Michele Chiles]

This is so informative. I am going thru a very similar experience. Thank you for being willing to share. It's good to know I'm on the right track.

 

[KentuckyRooster]

Yes silkies can be with larger birds. I have a majorly mixed up flock ranging from huge turkens that lumber through my yard like dinosaurs to a tiny silver sebright roo the size of a soda can and a hen who lays eggs smaller than a shooter marble. What matters is if your larger birds will accept them or not. Keep an eye for bullying. You may find that those silkies run the show. My silkies are fiesty little things who tell everyone else what to do.