New flock member

[tknutsen]

I have a flock of 3 hens that are 1 yr old. (E.E., LB. Australorp) they came from the same farm but were in different coops. They have established their pecking order 1.LB, 2.E.E. and 3.AustraIorp. I recently just added a 7-8 month silkie hen. The LB and Australorp are pecking the poor thing and chase her around the coop but the EE doesn't seem to be bothered at all. How long does it take for the existing hens to accept the new one? They don't seem to bother her when they go into the hen house at night. We built a platform in the run for her to "escape" from the hens. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

[Judy]

Silkies and other crested breeds seem to become targets. They seem to like to peck at the head. She may never be accepted, she may just keep her distance, or things might settle down in a day or two. Usually people just let them sort it out unless blood is drawn. The escape place is a good idea. Watch to be sure they don't keep her away from food and water.