Mama and chicks that hatches May 8th.

[Shaymamaof3]

I have them still separated from my flock. I’m worried if I let them out the mama won’t protect them anymore, since it’s been 2 months. Should I let them out and hope she will protect them? Need advice. Thank you!

 

[azygous]

At this stage,they really don't need protecting. They will figure out their rank in the social order on their own. You could have had them integrated by now if you had allowed the broody hen to introduce them as small chicks to the flock. Being over protective of chicks until they are half grown doesn't help them.

How "separated" have they been? Out of sight? In an enclosure in view of the flock all this time? If the first, you will need to introduce them as you would strange new comers - see but don't touch barricade until the flock becomes acquainted with them and they become familiar with the flock.

I the chicks have grown up in view of the flock, just turn them loose in the run now. They'll figure things out since they will already be familiar with the adults.

Two different choices according to how familiar the chicks and the flock already are with one another.

 

[Shaymamaof3]

At this stage,they really don't need protecting. They will figure out their rank in the social order on their own. You could have had them integrated by now if you had allowed the broody hen to introduce them as small chicks to the flock. Being over protective of chicks until they are half grown doesn't help them.

How "separated" have they been? Out of sight? In an enclosure in view of the flock all this time? If the first, you will need to introduce them as you would strange new comers - see but don't touch barricade until the flock becomes acquainted with them and they become familiar with the flock.

I the chicks have grown up in view of the flock, just turn them loose in the run now. They'll figure things out since they will already be familiar with the adults.

Two different choices according to how familiar the chicks and the flock already are with one another.

Hello! Thank you for your advice. They are in the same run with my flock, just in another coop. They see eachother all the time. They are silkies and the rest of my flock are not, does that matter? Thank you again.

 

[azygous]

Silkies are vulnerable die to their size and timid nature. That means you wil need to introduce them more gradually, starting with a see-no touch barrier.

 

[Coops Dad]

Silkies are vulnerable die to their size and timid nature. That means you wil need to introduce them more gradually, starting with a see-no touch barrier.

I had a few bantam silkies for a while and the hens were anything but timid. Bossy little turds, actually, and one of them would turn into an alligator if she was in the nest. She'd bite, hold, and thrash her head like I owed her money. "Pay up or I'm taking this finger!"

Their rooster was an absolute terror. He steered clear of people but he beat every other rooster on the place like rented drums. He'd square up on the dogs, too. The beagle would beat feet down the street to get away but I always worried that Luna aka Murder Dog would shred him if I wasn't watching.

I usually integrate maturing chickens into the flock by moving the chick's tractor into the run so the flock can be right there without having physical access to each other. A couple weeks later, I'll open the tractor door and let them mingle but close it up again at night. A week or so later, I close the tractor's coop door but leave the tractor door open. The youngsters quickly get the hint and start sleeping where the grownups sleep.