Really small silkie...where do I keep her?

[dansarahmartinez]

We hatched 2 silkies and one is average size and the other is reallllllly small. The small one trips a lot and takes slow deep breaths but is super friendly and has survived so far. They are 13 weeks now. They have been raised with other chicks and they are ready to move in with the rest of our flock but I know the little one would be trampled. So my dilemma is do I create a whole new coop for for 2 silkies even though I am worried the small one will not have a long life just because of how it is or do I add the normal size one in with the flock and our little one lives in a cage inside like a house pet? But then it would not have a chicken buddy. But if they are outside and we lose the little one then the other one is not with a flock...suggestions please? Thanks

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

The big one also looks like it's going to be a rooster and may not be the best companion for the little one in the long run. Is there a way to house them within range of the rest of the flock so it won't be a total outcast but have a little bit of a social life? You do have a little dilemma and a little tiny silkie!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Wow, that's a big size difference ... Agree with @MrFluffyandGirls, the bigger one looks to be a cockerel and not a good buddy for the tiny one in the long run. Me, being me would keep them together for now and finding a Serama chick about a month old. If you're able to find on close in size/age, then keep them in a separate enclosure but with wire separating them for a few weeks/intergrating.
Or you could try raising a single chick ... I've done it couple of times and ended up with spoiled kids. You can use a large plastic bin, a stuffed animal and/or feather duster for company, mirror (reflection adds company) and work out a routine for giving it personal attention. I vote for house chicken

 

[Molly Mojo]

Yep, your big one is def a boy.

They are same age?

Does she seem healthy?

 

[ChickNanny13]

How's your "tiny" one?