introducing a new chick to the flock...help!

[Billy-jean]

Hello,
3 weeks ago I got a blue silkie 8 week old chick from someone,,I could only get 1,,anyways,I kept her inside with us for 10 days,then put her out in the coop with the flock(silkies) inside a brooder so she saw them but was seperated. So I think it's time now that she comes out to meet everyone. Is it normal that they will chase her away at first, and peck her if she walks by them ? I worry cause she's so small,but wants to be part of the flock so badly. Just tell me if it's normal that they don't like her at first..would they kill her? I can't see my silkies doing that,they're very calm and sweet,,but you never know. I don't want to keep her in the brooder any longer,i feel bad that she's been in it this long..(the brooder is a homemade x mas tree plastic bin,with the top made out of caging)
anyways advice would be great! thanks!
~Beeliz

 

[California_chickie]

Have you thought about taking one of your "friendliest" hens & having the two of them hang out for a little while? You can put them in an inclosure together, or just watch them closely outside. I have a bunch of chicks of different ages, sizes, etc. So I usually just take one or two of my sweetest grown Silkies into the garage, set up a little inclosure, and let them get to know each other. It's just like highschool, each new freshman gets a senior buddy to show em what's up at the new school! Then when the time is right everyone can go in the coop, and the youngest probably won't get picked on as much (she will get picked on, but hey, that's pecking order) Watch them closely.
Right now I have a 8 week old literally in the brooder (it's huge) with 1-2 week old chicks. She's shown them how to use the rabbit waterer, keeps them warm, & is a surrogate mommy. She was raised with an older hen & when it's time for her to go outside she hangs with the big girls. This technique has worked well for me, but you have to choose the right one. i'm certainly not an expert.
Good luck!

 

[billyb]

I would certainly try what California chickie said that sounds good. I was also looking for this info too, thanks!!

 

[Billy-jean]

Thanks! I went to check on them and little newbie is sleeping beside my oldset(1year old) hen who gone broody.(with no eggs under her)
it seems to work well,she's snuggling beside her and looks quite content I'll keep you posted!