Chescochickens
Chirping
Hi all - I’m hoping someone has encountered this behavior before. I have a mixed flock of 12. I recently added three 5 month old silkies. They were separated for a while and just started to integrate with the others. They all seem fine together. I have Orpingtons, a Speckled Sussex, and Cochins so mostly docile ladies. One of my Buff Orpingtons went broody and raised 3 chicks that are now 8 weeks. I have a Lavendar Orpington that hasn’t ever gone broody but will occasionally make the “I found a treat” clucking noise which makes me think she has some maternal instincts. I mention that because tonight was the first night I put the silkies in the coop with the other girls. I put all 3 in a large nesting box together which is how they seem to like to sleep. I checked on them 10 minutes later to find the Lavender Orpington sitting on them in the nesting box. She sometimes sleeps in the boxes but there are 6 to choose from. When I went to move the silkies from her she started pecking at them. Is this broody/maternal behavior or bullying? I’d like for everyone to sleep together but don’t want the silkies to get hurt and haven’t observed any other bullying behaviors. I have a small coop for the silkies so separating at night isn’t a problem. I would like for everyone to be together though so that they learn the “time to go to bed” routine. Any thoughts are appreciated!
