New chickens to add to small group of Silkies

[Lindasummer]

I had been wanting to add to our small group of 4 Silkies because we have plenty of room and I thought the Silkies would benefit from more body heat in the coop. It turns out, as I am sure most chicken people have experienced, it's either feast or famine with chickens. I thought I would be adding 5 or 6 and ended up doubling that. "Chicken math"...I know.... I picked up 12 chickens (all hens) from a family who wanted the room so they could put in their new chickens (which is sad for me to see how disposable chickens are to some people, but I am grateful to have rescued them from a certain fate that may not have been kind). I just couldn't leave any of this little chicken family in that coop. This group is about 2 1/2 - 3 years old. We don't care about eggs, as my husband and I are both vegan (so we feed the eggs back to the chickens). When I picked them up, the coop was absolutely filthy - it was large, but the amount of feces was overwhelming. There was one egg in the coop this morning and when I picked it up, it shattered in my hand. I am going to make sure these girls are fed a quality diet, as I ferment food and provide grubs, corn and crumbles. When I thought I was adding half the amount of girls, I was going to keep my Silkies separated until I was sure they would get along, but with 12 added, I am worried I may not be able to incorporate the flocks. Since the Silkies don't really roost, I am worried about droppings on their heads from those who do. There are 2 roosters in my Silkie group, one of whom is the clear boss and the other who allows that without issue. I ended up transferring the Silkies to a smaller coop and run but am hoping to merge the groups. They are all very handleable and docile. I attached a picture of the group at transport, along with a picture of our coop (a converted shed to which we've added ventilation where the windows are on top). The coop on the inside is where the Silkies are being homed for now (and hopefully just temporarily during the regular quarantine period). When the weather is warmer, we are going to expand the run, but nobody is really interested in hanging out there during the winter (as we live in Wisconsin). Any advice would be super appreciated!

 

[cavemanrich]

For rescuing those chickens. Your new chickens look like Red sex links, or Isa browns. Both look similar. Let me give you a heads up on that breed. They are excellent egg producing chickens that do not live long lives. I have had one before. (I only keep chickens as pets)
They usually only live less than 5 years. Mine I think only pulled 3.

Integrate your chickens while they are free-ranging. If there are issues, you may have to do such inside run,,,, with a netting partition. See, but don't touch.
Both Silkies, and your newcomers, are docile,,,, not very aggressive type.
I also respect your decision to be vegan. May I suggest you consider donating the eggs to those that do eat them,,, and may be experiencing hardships under current conditions.. (out of work, or just struggling).. Also inquire at some of the food pantry's that help the needy, If they would accept your eggs. I know some have special regulations regarding eggs. But others may be more relaxed. Generally, they want the eggs to be with the bloom on them.
I personally wash/rinse my eggs and keep in refrigerator afterwards. Have been doing this way for over 20+years, and never had any bacteria issues.,. When I had extra, I gave to select neighbors who really appreciated them.
Ask anything else you are not sure of,,,,

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Lindasummer]

Hello!
Thank you so much for your very informative response! With the life expectancy of the chickens, I am even more happy that I have them now. I intend to make them really comfortable and well taken care of in their new home. When I saw the size of their eggs, it did enter my mind that this breed has been genetically manipulated...one egg was nearly the size of the palm of my hand (and I do not have tiny hands) and as a result, I am aware this messes with nature and an animal's life cycle. I wish the weather was more cooperative so I could spend more time with them, but I know in a couple months I'll be able to do that. I did intend to partition the chickens with a net when they are introduced. We will have a better set up for that when we expand the run, but for now I planned on having the Silkies in the smaller run under the coop in which they are housed. I am glad to read about their docile personalities - I figured as much. The person I got them from showed me the "easiest way" to carry them and he held them upside down by their feet. They are so sweet and not difficult to catch - I was disgusted that he did that. I realize the chickens were a commodity to this couple, but still...it was a harsh thing to see.

As far as the eggs, I have given eggs to some of my coworkers and figure at least that keeps people from buying grocery store eggs, including the "free range" eggs which most of us know is a misnomer. The reason the current flock was being rehomed is because of slowed egg production so once the season changes and I can see the number of eggs produced, I will inquire with food pantry needs and see if there are any community boards that indicate a need - that's a really good suggestion.

I've been vegan for 40 years and knew of the plight of chickens, but after meeting them in person and interacting with them, I have to say I've discovered so much more about them and am more fond of them than I was before...because now I feel like I'm obsessed with them. They are so smart and silly with individual personalities. I want the best for them and am looking forward to the coop/run expansions and making little planter gardens for them to nibble on when the weather gets warmer. Hanging out with the chickens is one of my favorite things to do. I'm grateful to these forums for offering advice and showing the pictures posted by others and reading about what works and doesn't work for them.

Thank you again for your advice and feedback...I truly appreciate it!

 

[cavemanrich]

When I saw the size of their eggs, it did enter my mind that this breed has been genetically manipulated...one egg was nearly the size of the palm of my hand (and I do not have tiny hands) and as a result, I am aware this messes with nature and an animal's life cycle.

Let me just point some things out. Sexlink chickens are actually hybrids, and not genetically manipulated. (GMO) .. This allows to be able to tell the pullets from the cockerels at hatch time. You go to store, and purchase your choice of chicks. Most peeps want hens for egg production. It is quite difficult to get roosters to lay eggs.
And second point,,,,,,,,,, roosters are not allowed in certain/many areas, like mine.
The size of the eggs is determined by the breed. My bantams,, when they do lay eggs,,,,, surprise me with the size compared to their body size.
Unusually large eggs at staggered time intervals are often Double Yolk eggs. ,, OUCH. I wonder if chicken would be requesting an epidural laying those??

Handling, and carrying chickens upside down is just wrong.