Putting a silkie and barred rock together

[phat chick]

Hi everyone. I'm wondering about issues to look out for when putting a silkie and barred rock together, both hens, as the only two chickens in a "flock."

I have one barred rock hen (recently turned 4 years old) who is currently by herself, so not really the ideal situation. I'm thinking about introducing a "friend" for her, a silkie hen (around 1 year old or slightly older, not sure of the exact age). My barred rock is all alone right now so that might be easier on the silkie, but I'm anticipating a size and temperament difference and would be extremely cautious putting them together, giving them as much time as they need to get used to each other.

What do you think would be some issues to look out for when doing this? I'm planning on quarantining the new bird, of course, and there's adequate space for them to roam and forage in my yard once I let them both free.

Thanks for any experiences and/or insights!

 

[Tlmcq]

Just take it slow and keep an eye on them during introductions. Make sure they can run away from other, if need be. They will work out a pecking order so there will be a bit of bickering...as long as it isn't relentless and no blood is drawn, and they have ability to run away and not be trapped by other just let them work it out. I would start with a look but no touch area and free range them out together giving them space to get to know each other..after you do that for 2 or 3 weeks if all goes well you can try them in enclosed run together, supervised making sure that all is ok and so you can step in if needed. My Silkies are free ranged with all large fowl birds and are cooped with Australorp and do fine. The size isn't as much an issue as temperament of birds and individual personality. My Silkies co mingle with all the birds but are a bit more docile and jumpy so they spend most of their time free ranging amongst themselves. Being as they will be only 2 together they will probably hang out together tho

 

[chickens really]

Look no touch pen for a week or so and then free range as you watch them...

 

[HeidiEmbrey]

I read giving them feed and water at different heights can help And maybe give the silky somewhere to run and hide if the other gets rough? Lots of space I know is always important. I've only just got my first chicks , only 3 weeks old but, silkies in with salmon faverolle, a big bird, and the dynamic between them already and so far is just great..no problems..the silkies sleep under the faverolles like they are a mother hen it's adorable, and the faverolles seem kind of afraid to hurt them or something? They're doing well together.

 

[chickens really]

I read giving them feed and water at different heights can help And maybe give the silky somewhere to run and hide if the other gets rough? Lots of space I know is always important. I've only just got my first chicks , only 3 weeks old but, silkies in with salmon faverolle, a big bird, and the dynamic between them already and so far is just great..no problems..the silkies sleep under the faverolles like they are a mother hen it's adorable, and the faverolles seem kind of afraid to hurt them or something? They're doing well together.

Cute...I had a Speckled Sussex that loved my Broody Hens Chicks..She never went Broody herself but allowed Chicks to cuddle under her..We are now talking a rare occasion...I don't think the OP will be the same...

 

[HeidiEmbrey]

Cute...I had a Speckled Sussex that loved my Broody Hens Chicks..She never went Broody herself but allowed Chicks to cuddle under her..We are now talking a rare occasion...I don't think the OP will be the same...

Yeah..completely different situations..mine are just chicks and all the same age, and who knows how they will act as they get older.. Hopefully well though