Introducing Single Chick

[quone]

I have 2 4-month-old Silkies and a 6-week-old Silkie chick. For the past 3 days they have spent several hours free ranging with each other. One of the pullets is very tolerant and will let the chick pull her feathers and peck at her beak. The other pullet isn’t fond of the chick and will peck her, but not too aggressively. The chick has learned not to be so annoying with her, and the pecking has diminished. The chick has followed them into their run and they have all eaten together with no problem.
The chick is starting to get feathers on its head, and night temps will be 50 in a couple days. Can I try putting the chick in the coop at dusk and watch and see if the older ones will let her cuddle to keep warm? If they do, will she be safe in the morning given that they are already doing pretty well together?
Thanks for any input!

 

[ElmCityChickens]

Do you only have silkies?

My personal opinion is that silkies are so docile if they are amonst eachother I rarely see aggression/violence. With that being said I usually wait until chicks are full-grownish-looking to put them together. She looks a bit small and I personally would be worried and when you introduce a new chicken to the flock they have to fend for themselves and she just seems too tiny to do that. I think your slow approach of letting them hang is smart and maybe do that more and see how they react.

 

[quone]

Yes, I only have Silkies.

I know the chick is tiny, but I was encouraged by how they are getting along and I kind of want to get it out of the house! It’s not ready to be outside without warmth from the other two, though.

 

[ElmCityChickens]

Know what you mean, it can still be a bit chilly outside right now. It's nice to have some cuddles at night. I honestly think it depends on the chickens. Silkies are so sweet, but my sister said that when I give them hair cuts you can see their eyes and underneath they look angry, LOL. She thinks they are secretly really upset at the world. Silkies are my favorites! Nothing beats seeing them run across the yard.. so cute and funny!

 

[aart]

I know the chick is tiny, but I was encouraged by how they are getting along and I kind of want to get it out of the house! It’s not ready to be outside without warmth from the other two, though.

I would be too...especially eating together.
Has the chick tried to go into the coop with the others at roosting time yet?
Is it totally off heat in the house?
I'd stick it in the coop and see what happens.
Should be fine out there especially if one of the olders lets it roost next to it.

 

[quone]

Has the chick tried to go into the coop with the others at roosting time yet?

Not yet, that's the next step. The chick gets tired at 6:30, so I have to keep it occupied a little longer until the others go in the coop.

Is it totally off heat in the house?

It's been off heat for a couple weeks now. It doesn't get below 65 though. When I have the chick outside at 55 degrees it shivers, so I want to watch and make sure they let it close before I leave it all night!