Integrating Silkies with GCs

[grolarbear]

I have 7 Golden Comet hens that are just approaching laying age. They have a 4'x8' coop and a dedicated 25'x90' portion of my backyard to free range daily. They are incredibly friendly towards people and even my dogs.

I also have 6 silkies (4 roos, 2 hens). They are currently kept in a small coop & run of their own, but I would like to integrate the flocks so the Silkies can enjoy the big coop & fenced area. The roos are bigger than the GCs, but the hens are petite and docile.

Right now they are in separate parts of the yard divided by 3ft chicken wire.

According to my research, GCs are less aggressive than other chicken breeds, which is why I picked them. I have tried putting my sweetest Comet in the Silkie's part of the yard and she ended up chasing my roosters around.

Help! I want them to get along, share the yard, and sleep in the same coop.

 

[snow5164]

I’d like to see a silkie rooster that’s bigger then a golden comet ?? Really ?

Why do you have 4 silkie roosters to 2 poor hens ?You-know that won’t work for long right?

I have one silkie rooster and 3 hens and they get chased a lot !!

Having had both breeds, I’d say it’s not a good idea... but that’s up to you

 

[BreanneRN]

I have 2 Silkie Roosters in with 6 EE pullets, they are getting along fine... The Silkie roos were raised together and are very mellow. The pullets were about at point of lay when I put them in there, there was a short fight with the dominant pullet, and by the end of the day they all were liking each other. I think those pullets would thank me for their Silkie roos. My EE pullets are about the same size as the Silkies and about 1 month younger. They have started to lay now.

 

[grolarbear]

I’d like to see a silkie rooster that’s bigger then a golden comet ?? Really ?

Why do you have 4 silkie roosters to 2 poor hens ?You-know that won’t work for long right?

I have one silkie rooster and 3 hens and they get chased a lot !!

Having had both breeds, I’d say it’s not a good idea... but that’s up to you

I bought 6 Silkie chicks and 4 of them have turned out to be roosters. Definitely would not have picked that ratio.

The Comets are still young and the Roos are basically full-grown. I'm sure the hens will be bigger in a week or so.

 

[snow5164]

I know , no one would choose 4 roosters ,but saying they more then likely won’t do well together . They will over mate the hens , they could lose feathers and not survive . Buying and not knowing is the hardest thing about chickens

I wish you well

 

[HenHouse4Life]

If you decide to integrate your flock watch for pecking. Silkies tend to get bullied by other birds and because of all their fluff they have poor eyesight and may not even see it coming. If your silkie roos get along maybe you could dedicate a separate area for a bachelor pad.... that way you get to keep your roos and prevent over mating your hens.
Good luck!

 

[snow5164]

Just trim their fluffs, their eyes are fine but people get obsessed with their cuteness and don’t help them by trimming .....

It’s sad really , I trim maybe 3 times a year , cheeks, feet , head so they can see from all angles , they look just as cute .

I’d never combine my silkies with other breeds, I tried that and it didn’t end well ..

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Your coop is about big enough for your seven standard pullets, and there's really no room there for your Silkies. Those Silkies are likely going to be picked on by your Comets, at least later, and four cockerels is too many for your two Silkie pullets, and your Comets combined.
I think your Silkie project needs to have a separate coop, and either MANY more little pullets, or one cockerel only, and a few more pullets.
Mary