Is this normal?

[Crickett]

My new silkies are snobs! They stay in the coop with the others, but they don't really socialize with them. When I open the door for everyone to go out and free range, they just stay in. Everyone else can't wait to get outside and play, but not them! Is it because they are older than the others? Or perhaps they have never been allowed to free range before and don't know that they can? They are very calm birds, and let me pick them up and pet them with little or no fuss.

 

[fordmommy]

You say they are "new". Well-they might still be readjusting to their new home. Give it some time.

 

[cmom]

I agree if they are new it may just take them some time to readjust.

 

[Danceswithchicks]

Give them time and make sure the other chickens are not mean to them.

 

[Brindlebtch]

They are probably afraid of the other chickens or the other chickens are picking on them. They may also be afraid to go outside. Baby them and jolly them along a bit and see if that helps.

 

[Crickett]

The very first day I had them, my bitty banty roo decided to try to challange one of the silkie roos to a duel. It was funny to see that tiny little roo trying to entice the bigger bird! The silkie, being a gentleman, ignored him for a while, then finally went "Squwak!" and pecked back at the banty. Banty ran away to the other side of the coop. I haven't seen any of the others trying to be mean to the newcomers. Perhaps they are just trying to get their bearings after their big move. They only arrived to the coop Sunday.