New from Jamestown NC

[zoomoma]

Hi Chicken Fans,
I was wondering if anyone would share some advise on how to introduce 4 new (large breed) hens to my 2 little silkies? All of the hens in question are 3-4 years old. I don't want my resident girls to get bullied or hurt. Any advise would be much appreciated.
Thank You

 

[3riverschick]

You might try putting the new girls in a large cage right next to the silkies where they cans see them and "get aquatinted". for a few days. Still, after that, if you put them together I would stand there and watch carefully because those hens are already older and have an established pecking order. Maybe introduce the older ones one at a time to the silkies after the several days are up?
I sure understand your concern, Maybe if they were introed one at a time they wouldn't feel to brave about harassing the silkies??
Best,
Karen

 

[sumi]

Welcome to BYC

Glad you joined us! X2 the above. Have a look here for more tips:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

Definitely cage the new birds for a while. And introducing them one at a time is a good idea since Silkies are so much smaller and one new hen at a time might go smoother. Just watch them carefully for a week or so to make sure they are all getting along.

Good luck with your flock mixing and welcome to BYC!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You've gotten some good suggestions and links above. Do be prepared in case the two groups never do integrate well and you have to keep the Silkies separate indefinitely.

 

[gander007]

X 3 on the dividing by a fence ...



On a smaller scale these chicks are being introduced to the flock
so everyone get's along later .....