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ewe105 said:
Hi all - question for the group. In February, I got 3 bantam chicks to add to my existing flock of 3 hens (sexlink, cochin, and welsummer). When the chicks got older and went outside with the older hens, they didn't integrate well. No violence or anything, but they hung out as two separate groups - older hens on one side and younger chicks on the other. Unfortunately, about a month ago, a raccoon (I think) got into the coop at night and killed two of the chicks. Now, we have a silkie by herself with the older hens, and she's always alone and getting picked on by the others. They don't hurt her, as far as I can tell, but they chase her off whenever they see her - to the point where she has started to sleep on a perch outside in the run, until I move her inside (every.darn.night). I built a small area in the run where only the silkie can get access, and she gets her own food and water in that area, so she's well fed and hydrated and appears to be healthy. I just feel really bad for her because she's so constantly isolated.

What do you think I should do? Should I add another bantam or two for her to socialize with? The cochin is due to go broody soon - though she's never actually hatched out any live eggs before. I am open to any/all suggestions, including trying to re-home the silkie if that would be best, though I would very much prefer not to do that. Appreciate your time and advice!
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I keep large fowl and silkies together without a hitch. I also currently have 3 week old silkie crosses that I would gladly rehome to you if you want to integrate a few more friends for her, they grow up beautiful with medium size, normal feathering and a cute little crest!
 
Auroradream26 said:
It really depends on the flock. I keep bantam silkies in with my LF flock and rarely have trouble integrating more silkies.

Now, TINY bantams like seabrights and Seramas are a while other story lol. Sizing of which, I just moved the serama and his 3 seabright ladies or to the rabbit hutch. They have their own personal coop lol
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It does depend... and how you do it. Our D'uccles were hatched and raised with the flock. I swear it's the Lavender Ameracauna that constantly begs to rise from the bottom of the pecking order. I integrate new members every year... currently it's the Langshan/ Silkie crew that are joining this week. So far so good...
 
Annjee said:
It does depend... and how you do it. Our D'uccles were hatched and raised with the flock. I swear it's the Lavender Ameracauna that constantly begs to rise from the bottom of the pecking order. I integrate new members every year... currently it's the Langshan/ Silkie crew that are joining this week. So far so good...
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I just put them out there at about 8 weeks old. They spend the first couple days in a seperation pen just so they learn where home is but then they're released to run with the flock. I never integrate one alone though. They tend to stay with the group that they're added with like a mini flock.
 
What animals will kill chicks? So I have these adorable chicks from @dheltzel. I put them in a shed we just got for a chicken coop. It's used and not predator tight but I've never had a problem with predators before. My children went to play with the chicks and found lots dead and they said they were chewed on. They took care of them before I saw them so I'm not sure what exactly they looked like. What kind of animal would do that??? I tried to block the holes but I'm worried about what I'll find in the morning again. I'm so sad! And such special chicks! I've never had any issues like this before!!!!
 
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Aw, my poor Wellbar Curly broke her beak tonight. I think I may repair it with some acrylic, but after looking on BYC, I am going to run out now and at least put some superglue on it to hold it in place. It looks so painful. Has anyone here had a bird with a bad beak break recover? It's broken back pretty far.
 
AnneInTheBurbs said:
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Aw, my poor Wellbar Curly broke her beak tonight. I think I may repair it with some acrylic, but after looking on BYC, I am going to run out now and at least put some superglue on it to hold it in place. It looks so painful. Has anyone here had a bird with a bad beak break recover? It's broken back pretty far.
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Head over to the Century of turkey Talk thread and ask there. I know someone had a turkey hen that broke her break. I'm pretty sure she recovered on her own but I'm not outside. I wish I could remember who it was though.
 
GhogKilla said:
South Central here!
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Welcome!!!!

LearninMyFlock said:
What animals will kill chicks? So I have these adorable chicks from @dheltzel. I put them in a shed we just got for a chicken coop. It's used and not predator tight but I've never had a problem with predators before. My children went to play with the chicks and found lots dead and they said they were chewed on. They took care of them before I saw them so I'm not sure what exactly they looked like. What kind of animal would do that??? I tried to block the holes but I'm worried about what I'll find in the morning again. I'm so sad! And such special chicks! I've never had any issues like this before!!!!
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How sad :( if the entry points for the shed are really small, and not big enough for large predators, maybe mink/weasel or rats

AnneInTheBurbs said:
View attachment 1049333 View attachment 1049334

Aw, my poor Wellbar Curly broke her beak tonight. I think I may repair it with some acrylic, but after looking on BYC, I am going to run out now and at least put some superglue on it to hold it in place. It looks so painful. Has anyone here had a bird with a bad beak break recover? It's broken back pretty far.
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Poor baby! That looks like it hurts, how does a chicken break their beak? I hope she recovers well for you
 

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