Introducing hen

[KatiesKoop]

i know it’s not ideal but I got a solo silkie hen and I’m trying to integrate her into my flock. I currently have 4 19 wk old hens, a Cochin, Wyandotte, cuckoo Maran and a welsummer. I have the silkie in a dog crate in their run and if she is in there all seems well. I’ve tried to let her out a few times and all hell breaks loose. They chase her relentless but I’ve so far seen nothing too worrisome as far as actually injuring her goes. Just wondering if anyone has had success introducing a single hen to other birds?

 

[ChickNanny13]

How old it the Silkie?
You're on the right track "See but no touch" ...

Are you using a dog crate (covered on all sides except the door) or a wire cage? Wire cage is best so they can see each other but not hurt her. Or if you can section off a corner with wire that she is visible to them, eating & drinking in her separate enclosure.

How long have you had the crate in the run? I've never integrated but have read up on it, you leave the Newbie in the cage, in the run/coop with the rest for at least a few weeks to a month. Not letting her out & when you do have a few hiding places for her to get away & hide if the pecking order is more than she wants to deal with.

Size wise, she's a bit smaller so of course she'll probably be on the bottom of the pecking order. If you free range your flock, when you let them out to do so, let her out & toss some treats to distract everyone from focusing on her.

Main reason I switch out my 4 - 6 every 2yrs, not ready to deal with integrating I'm chicken

 

[KatiesKoop]

She is approx a year old. Yes she is much smaller!!! These are my first chickens ever so I’m a nervous nelly.

I’ve only had her a little over a week so it’s good to hear it may take a month !!! Here I was getting upset I’d have to give her to someone with more reasonable hens lol

When i free range my big girls I let her out, I feel so bad keeping her locked up

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Many people have found that Silkies do best in a separate coop, not with the big 'normal' birds.
Mary