How soon?

[Dawnrenae]

How soon can I introduce my Silkie into the flock?

Right now he is in his own little pin "open range" during the day, and in the same pin inside the coop at night.

But he seems sad.

 

[TwoCrows]

It is usually good to keep a new bird separated for a few weeks, but within the flock. This allows for quarantine time and lets the rest of the flock to work out the pecking order from behind wire of fencing.

If you have had him separated for a few weeks, then maybe today should be mixing day! Get him out there and with the flock. But stand by with the flock for a while and watch how things go and watch the rest of the week as well. Always intervene if it turns bloody. Sometimes Silkies get picked on so be careful. Make sure he can see well and trim the feathers out of his eyes so he can see to defend himself and to work into the flock. Not seeing well is a big disadvantage for a new flock member, and he needs all his faculties during introductions.

Good luck with your Silkie!

 

[Dawnrenae]

He was just

It is usually good to keep a new bird separated for a few weeks, but within the flock. This allows for quarantine time and lets the rest of the flock to work out the pecking order from behind wire of fencing. 

If you have had him separated for a few weeks, then maybe today should be mixing day! Get him out there and with the flock. But stand by with the flock for a while and watch how things go and watch the rest of the week as well. Always intervene if it turns bloody. Sometimes Silkies get picked on so be careful. Make sure he can see well and trim the feathers out of his eyes so he can see to defend himself and to work into the flock. Not seeing well is a big disadvantage for a new flock member, and he needs all his faculties during introductions.

Good luck with your Silkie! 

We just brought him home yesterday, so he is still separated. However, I fed everyone together this am, him in his pin, and the rest of the flock out of course.

They all visited for a few, but when I walked away, the flock came with me, and Silkie just seemed so sad.

I had to go give him an extra hug before work. It appears he really likes lovings.

 

[TwoCrows]

I would keep him separate for a while, at least one or two weeks, just in case. You will have to spend more time with him and give him extra TLC!

 

[Dawnrenae]

Not a problem there!