Hi byc gang, I lost a 2month old silkie to the neighbours cat (worst thing in my entire life!!) I really want to get another one to replace it, but will my other chickens bully it?? I have 5 other chickens all 12 weeks old 1.lavender pekin 2.silkie 3.polish 4.slw 5.glw The polish is the boss, but they are all super friendly help asap please...thankyouuu
So sorry about the loss your chick! That really stinks. I lost 3 of mine and it was devasting. I will tell you though, that I did introduce 5 more (they were 6 weeks old) to one chick (she was 2 months old) that survived and then I just got another chick (2 months old) last Friday. I took my time introducing the newest one since the other ones were so comfortable with eachother and had been around eachother for a couple weeks. I got her Friday and put her in the coop Sunday afternoon. I will say, she is the outcast but they are not being mean to her. So you should be fine...I think the only concern when you introduce a new chick to your flock is that the new chick might get the old chicks sick.....so I just made sure that she was medicated chick starter. I hope this helps you out!
Oh thanks thats fantastic!!! Youve helped me loads, sorry about your 3 chicks too Do you think then maybe i should get 2 new chicks so they can be outsiders together??
Glad I could help, and if I would have done it differently, I would have gotten two news ones!!!!! The more the merrier!!!
I disagree with the above poster, sorry. But the difference in size between a 12 week chickens and a new chick will be a wreck. The older chickens will kill the baby, even if they are friendly to you. there is not such a size difference between 6 weeks and 8 weeks (2 months). if you want to add a single hen, which is always a tough do, they have to be the same size. MrsK
I have to agree with Mrs. K. I had my 10-12 weekers seperated from my 1 year olds. One of the little ones somehow got in with the big girls during the night and they pecked her to death by morning. I've lost other chicks/hens before, including by other predators, but that was by far the worst. I think maybe because it was from one chicken to another chicken?? Anyway, you can probably find someone selling 10-14 week old pullets in your area. Introduce slowly (making sure she is not sick first of course), and that should work out since they will be the same size.