Hello, Peeps! Need an opinion on providing companionship for my mobility-challenged chicken.
Cordelia is a Black Copper Maran, can walk and even run if she's really motivated, but with difficulty and doesn't do it very often, or quickly. She doesn't roost. The vet says there is nothing we can do and she is not in pain.
The rest of the flock bullies her so I separated her with one very mellow, docile chicken who became her friend, but recently died.
My plan is to get a couple of adult silkie hens. Silkies sometimes prefer to "pile" rather than roost, and bear confinement well, right? I've never had bantams before. I am looking for mellow, sweet birds who will be happy to hang out with Cordelia in a 4x8 indoor area in the winter, sleep with her, not bully her and hopefully make friends.
Does Silkie sound like the best breed? My plan is to get two but would one be better? Hoping for mellow, not flighty or skittish birds. Planning on trimming their crests so they can see. Would it be better to get birds that can fly, in case she tries to bully them? She's always been one of my more mellow, friendly chickens, but of course there will be an adjustment period.
Thanks!
Cordelia is a Black Copper Maran, can walk and even run if she's really motivated, but with difficulty and doesn't do it very often, or quickly. She doesn't roost. The vet says there is nothing we can do and she is not in pain.
The rest of the flock bullies her so I separated her with one very mellow, docile chicken who became her friend, but recently died.
My plan is to get a couple of adult silkie hens. Silkies sometimes prefer to "pile" rather than roost, and bear confinement well, right? I've never had bantams before. I am looking for mellow, sweet birds who will be happy to hang out with Cordelia in a 4x8 indoor area in the winter, sleep with her, not bully her and hopefully make friends.
Does Silkie sound like the best breed? My plan is to get two but would one be better? Hoping for mellow, not flighty or skittish birds. Planning on trimming their crests so they can see. Would it be better to get birds that can fly, in case she tries to bully them? She's always been one of my more mellow, friendly chickens, but of course there will be an adjustment period.
Thanks!