Lost a chick today, if i get another will they get along??? :/ Hellppp!!!!

[AlicesSilkies]

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

 

[Imthgirl]

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!

 

[AlicesSilkies]

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??

 

[Imthgirl]

Glad I could help, and if I would have done it differently, I would have gotten two news ones!!!!! The more the merrier!!!

 

[Mrs. K]

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

 

[Imthgirl]

Thanks Mrs. K....I learned something today!!! And I am by far no expert!!!

 

[holyhart]

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.