Introducing 2 month old silkies to 4 month old flock

[ChadMM0322]

We all have different setups so giving advice is not simple. Using my setup, i keep juveniles in a run / coop that is interconnected to the main coop / run. The juveniles decide when its time to go and roost with the adults.

Space is very important. This link is a great guide - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/how-much-room-do-chickens-need

My coop is finished but I’m not 100% complete on my run which is why they are free ranging right now. Once the run is in place I would prob lock them all together to see how they react and that’s when I can figure it out. And thanks for your help

 

[Pork Pie]

This may help - http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/introducing-new-chickens-using-the-see-but-don-t-touch-method

@aart will provide further assistance, I'm sure

 

[HuskerHens18]

Are u saying it will never be safe to put them with my other flock. I really don’t mind waiting till they get a little larger. I’m just wonder will they eventually be fine with them

Yes, all it takes is a hard peck to the skull to do potentially serious damage, same with all crested birds I believe.
I know someone who just had their Silkie scalped from bullying.

Like I said, you can do whatever you want, I'm just very cautious about my silkies. I want you to be aware there are more risks, that's all.
You could have great luck and no issues at all, I don't know how things will be down the road.

 

[ChadMM0322]

Yes, all it takes is a hard peck to the skull to do potentially serious damage, same with all crested birds I believe.
I know someone who just had their Silkie scalped from bullying.

Like I said, you can do whatever you want, I'm just very cautious about my silkies. I want you to be aware there are more risks, that's all.
You could have great luck and no issues at all, I don't know how things will be down the road.

I totally understand and appreciate all your help and insight. At first I thought everyone was saying they will never be able to be with my other flock

 

[NNYchick]

I totally understand and appreciate all your help and insight. At first I thought everyone was saying they will never be able to be with my other flock

Like others have said, proceed with extreme caution introducing silkies to any other larger less docile breeds at any age. Silkies have vaulted skulls which means they only have skin protecting their brain no skull on top (like baby's soft spot). A peck on the top of the head can be fatal or cause neurological damage. I agree with HuskerHens18 I would not add silkies to other breeds especially ones known to be sassy. Also silkies look different so tend to be low on the pecking order in mixed breed flocks and also don't see as well with large crest so they don't see an bully coming. Some have successfully done it but I personally wouldn't risk it if they were mine.

 

[aart]

@aart will provide further assistance, I'm sure

I don't know much about silkies...and those two ages could be tricky....but...
Here's some integration tips.....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

 

[ChadMM0322]

Now I’m just scared to put them with them at all. Maybe I will build another small coop on the other side of the run. Hopefully they will get used to eachother in free range and the run

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Now I’m just scared to put them with them at all. Maybe I will build another small coop on the other side of the run. Hopefully they will get used to eachother in free range and the run

I like that idea. By 4 months, the older birds have probably already worked out a pecking order. Adding only two birds at only two months it could get ugly, especially if there isn't sufficient space.
I don't recall reading how many other birds you have and whether they are bantams or large fowl.
What is the square footage of your coop's interior?

A friend of mine had silkies in a mixed flock but except for the turkeys, they were all bantams, grew up together and had a huge building with lots of distractions.

I have had polish and personally, I wouldn't have them again nor keep silkies because they are so vulnerable to predators. However, if it were me, I'd keep silkies in separate housing, especially if your other birds are LF.

 

[ChadMM0322]

I like that idea. By 4 months, the older birds have probably already worked out a pecking order. Adding only two birds at only two months it could get ugly, especially if there isn't sufficient space.
I don't recall reading how many other birds you have and whether they are bantams or large fowl.
What is the square footage of your coop's interior?

A friend of mine had silkies in a mixed flock but except for the turkeys, they were all bantams, grew up together and had a huge building with lots of distractions.

I have had polish and personally, I wouldn't have them again nor keep silkies because they are so vulnerable to predators. However, if it were me, I'd keep silkies in separate housing, especially if your other birds are LF.

I have 6 birds. 2 RIR,2Rocks,2 buffs. They are in a huge 10x10 coop. 18x6 run. Plenty of roosting. Silkies I think I’m going to build separate coop for time being.

 

[aart]

They are in a huge 10x10 coop. 18x6 run. Plenty of roosting. Silkies I think I’m going to build separate coop for time being.

Could you split coop and add second pop door into split run?