Introducing single silkie into flock

[p_parker]

Hi everyone, so I have a bit of a dilemma. I have a small flock of chickens and a silkie I've been trying to introduce for a couple months now. Originally I had her in a sectioned off area of the run so the other chickens could see her and be close without biting. I've tried to let them interact without a barrier, but the rooster immediately starting biting and mounting her. Now, whenever I try to let them be together, the silkie just cowers in a corner and won't eat or drink even though the hens don't try to hurt her (although the rooster will still bite her!) What can I do to get her fully in the flock without worrying she'll be hurt or starve herself??

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
So you have other Silkies in the flock? How old is she? How old is the rest of the flock? Can you post pictures of your setup?

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and Welcome to BYC. Glad you have joined this Poultry Loving Community..

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @p_parker

Welcome!

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC! Thanks for joining us.
If the rooster is the one causing the problems, I would try separating him from the flock and integrating the silkie with the hens only and see how she does.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

I would remove the rooster for a week or two and see how she does.

Whenever anyone talks about wanting silkies to blend with their current flock, I always encourage them to get five or six. There is strength in numbers and they'll stay together. Perhaps if you have the chance to get a few more, that'll help her be braver.

 

[p_parker]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
So you have other Silkies in the flock? How old is she? How old is the rest of the flock? Can you post pictures of your setup?

 

[p_parker]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
So you have other Silkies in the flock? How old is she? How old is the rest of the flock? Can you post pictures of your setup?

I just shared a Pic. It's hard to see but she's been in a closed off part of that run with her own feeder and waterer. She's about 4 months old, I have another hen 5 months old, a rooster about 1 yr and a older hen not sure her age.

 

[Kenneth Zweerink]

Welcome to BackYard Chickens, And a Big Hello from Eastern Nebraska! The Best of Luck with your Flock.

 

[Debbie292d]

I just shared a Pic. It's hard to see but she's been in a closed off part of that run with her own feeder and waterer. She's about 4 months old, I have another hen 5 months old, a rooster about 1 yr and a older hen not sure her age.

I think the rooster should be in the cage, but not in there if it can be helped. I think he'll be agitated having the hens so close.