questions?? mixing banties/ introduction to older chickies...

[camic]

I am very new at this and having a wonderful time

But I have a few questions!

I purchased a white leghorn and a black sex link at easter that were about a week old at that time. They are both very healthy and have been moved to an outside run where they seem very happy... I ordered a few more chicks and they arrived may 16. I had done some research and then caved to my daughters "need" for bantie silkie chicks... So I have 2 buff orpingtons, 2 arucanas, and 2 (adorable) silkies. The 6 newbies are looking fat (especially the arucanas) and healthy and I am getting ready to put everyone into the bigger run outside... Here are my questions.

medicated feed? I am buying purina medicated... is there something better and what are the pro's and con's of medicated?

The current baby flock are very cute together and the little silkies are holding there own and not getting picked on, in fact the bigger ones will sometimes flap at each other over food but just let the little ones eat in peace... What is the best way to make sure my little ones do not get picked on by the older couple? and How do I introduce the 6 babies to the 2 older chickens without too much drama? The silkies are significantly smaller then the rest of the crew and they were not pullets, they are straight run so I have NO idea what they are. the rest were said to be pullets.

and finally, at what age will these little ones start to lay?

thank you! love this site! I have already had many questions answered but just can't figure out my "mixed" flock introductions

 

[Angiebubs]

Hi Camic-welcome to world of mother hen worrying! LOL

Introducing your chicks to flock: If you can put them into a cage or enclosure for a few days with the bigger hens so they they can all see each other and get used to each other that will help. Then start letting them out together for a little while each day where you can supervise them. Also provide some areas that only the chicks can escape to (lean a board against a wall etc).

Medicated feed: People have varying opinions on this. If you feed medicated feed to your chicks you should try to ensure that the hens cant eat it as it can pass the medication to the eggs (recently read that this might not be as serious as originally thought but I would avoid it at all costs). Others do not feed medicated feed to chicks as they feel it can build up an immunity to medications and that in nature, chicks are around their moms and being on the ground where chickens are can help them build up immunity to certain diseases. SOund kind of like parenting doesnt it? Same old arguement.

I dont know specifics for age of laying for your breeds but generally pullets will start laying at 18-22 weeks of age.

Good luck!

 

[camic]

awesome! thank you!

I am heading to the feed store for something different that they can all eat

Hoping for the best with the little silkies they are probably kinda useless as far as egg layers go but DANG they are CUTE!

 

[Angiebubs]

They are darling! I havent owned one just because of the harsh winters we have here but wish I could

 

[moetrout]

Angie,

Are you saying silkies are not cold tolerate? Please tell me that is wrong because I just picked up a trio of blue splashed black silkes for my DD.

 

[camic]

oh oh... I'm hoping they have a little cold tolerance

 

[Angiebubs]

I live in WI and I know many people have silkies (and frizzles) here without supplementing with heat. You just have to make sure they have a draft free coop, and enough others to snuggle up with for body heat.
I over worry about my chickens lol so have stayed away from silkies and frizzles. These both have more difficulty with retaining body heat due to the fact that they have feathers that are more difficult to hold in heat.
So don't worry if MoeTrout if you have silkies!

 

[happybooker1]

awesome!  thank you!

I am heading to the feed store for something different that they can all eat

Hoping for the best with the little silkies  they are probably kinda useless as far as egg layers go but DANG they are CUTE!

Not useless at all! They lay the cutest little eggs which kids think are Wonderful fried or boiled as they are " bite-sized". Also if you want to set fertile eggs, Silkies are da bomb!! I have my Silkie right now setting on 4 Bantam Lavendar Ameraucana eggs to expand my flock.

Plus they are so fluffy you just want to hug them!!

 

[camic]

My litle silkies are fun to watch and I just love them... The other chicks with them are at least twice the size and the little guys (girls I hope) hold there own. In my imagination the big ones seem to defer to them and let them eat without fuss but fight with each other over food sometimes. so thinking about mini-eggs has me almost giddy