Well, I learned my lesson. A couple of weeks ago, I started a new flock with four pullets--a 6 month old Silkie and three 10 week old pullets (EE, BR & Australorp). I got greedy and decided to add just one more from another seller--a beautiful 7 month old Ameracauna. I just couldn't resist the idea of some blue eggs, and didn't want to wait for the others to reach laying age. My original four got along great. The Silkie was quickly designed "the mother" and the other three were like her little children, running around her, playing, and trying to sleep under her at night. When the Ameracauna was introduced, everything changed. Because of her significantly larger size, the others were scared of her which she used to her advantage by chasing them away from the food and water. Worst of all, within 2 days she'd pecked and removed a penny-sized patch of fluff from my Silkie's head. The Silkie of course, won't defend herself. Yesterday, after 3 days of this, I decided that it wasn't worth the drama in the coop everyday and put the Ameracauna on Craigslist for free (even though I'd paid $20 for her). She has now been re-homed and I wish her the best. Already, my original flock seems more relaxed, happy and settled. At bedtime last night there was no fighting/squacking, narely a peep. I'm a little disappointed that I won't be getting blue eggs anytime soon ( I DO have one more EE but it will be a while before she's laying), but I'm happy that my girls are at peace again.
