Fixed the disturbance in the flocks

[confusedturtle]

Over a month ago I tried to add my 3 12 week old pullets to my established 2 year old flock of 4. My BSL was very unfriendly to the pullets, she kept them cowering & terrified in the coop and they wouldn't eat or drink. One of my RSL's would sit out and loudly protest the pullets, if there was light she was in the run bocking loudly she sounded like a rooster. I eventually removed the pullets. I was in the process of building coop-zilla our new & improved mega coop. When it was done I added the pullets and started trying to rehome my 2 hens that were causing the problem. Saturday the problem hens were rehomed and the other 2 (an RSL and a BO/Wyandotte mix) were added to the pullets coop. They are all getting along well, no protesting or anything. Now my only problem is the hens are afraid of the chicken ladder, it's a 2 story coop. It is so nice to have a balance in the flock again and seeing them all get along is great.

 

[Robinsong]

I'm worried about this issue as well. I have 2 of each: Buff O's, EE's, RIR's and Plymouth BR's, all 12 weeks old and BIG. I eventually want to add my 3 Silkies who are now 4 weeks old. After reading so many post like yours I'm concerned the big girls will hurt the little Silkies. Right now the Silkies are in an elevated large dog pen inside the coop so they can all get used to each other. I've read about adding the little girls at night, or when they are free ranging. But the real question is, will the standard hens get along with Silkies?

 

[confusedturtle]

I've had people say that silkies need their own coop and others say silkies can be tough and will peck back. I have 2 6 week old silkies that I need to house somewhere soon too. Right now they are the adopted mothers (I hope they're girls) of my Easter Eggers and runner ducks so they are fine where they are.