new chicks and mixing breeds...question

[mklindy]

I am branching out and adding new breeds in a new hen house. But I am wondering, I want to have some Silkies and I understand they are very docile. I have ordered wyandottes, Ameraucanas, Barred rocks, and Orpingtons. If I understand these breeds by what I have read, they are all fairly tame. I am wanting advice on placing Silkies in with these breeds. My hen yards is fairly large and they will also free range daily. There are 2 separate hen houses at each end of the fenced yard. One has the nesting boxes in it and the other is all roosting area. The houses are 12' x 16-17' and the fenced yard is approx 80' x 40'. They free range on about 4 acres. All that to say they are far from cramped. ANy input would be appreciated.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

Silkies should be able to mix with those breeds without too much issue, especially with that much space. The hardest part is the introduction, the first while is when the silkies will probably be bullied a bit. Once the other hens feel the silkies "know their place" they'll let up, though, and the silkies will probably just hang out together. I'd just keep an eye on the silkies at first, maybe keep them in a pen for a while where the other hens can check them out but can't bully them. It's just a matter of making sure the silkies don't get too badly bullied in the introduction stage, after that they should be fine. Good luck!

 

[mklindy]

Awesome advice. I am actually ordering them all together as 24 hour old chicks. So they will grow up together. I just wasn't sure of the temperament thing never having had Silkies.
Thank you so much for the post.

 

[pnuts]

my rooster is a silkie and he gets along with everyone i have a silkie pullet too who is a bit of a wuss but she doesn't really get picked on as much as she thinks she does.