Seperating the flock

[Jeff n Stella]

OK... This is the first question since joining the forum. We have not yet acquired any hens. but a while back, we inherited a couple of Silki roosters. we were already planning to strat raising chickens, so we already had a coop and a small run available. So the Silkies have had the coop to them selves for the last 5 months. Now, we are about to recieve 8 to 12 marans chicks, and when they are old enough to transfer from the brooder to the coop / run, will I need to relocate the silkies? and if so, can I just build the 2 of them a smaller coop and let them become free range Silkies?

 

[BunkyB]

It would be good to let the chicks get old enough to be able to get away from the Silkie Roos if any issues were to occur. Sure, put the Silkies on their own for a bit so they can get used to seeing the newbies you have acquired. It is not so bad with roosters as it is with hens to integrate them into the flock.
Once you feel that the chicks are old enough, about 8 weeks +, then you can try the intro and just keep an eye on the roosters establishing the pecking order. It should be OK after the 8 week area... Best of luck.... Steve

 

[Jeff n Stella]

Well, today we have been busy. My son and I extended the run from a 10 X10 to a 25 X 30 foot run. I let the roos run free for the after noon, and when I got the whole thing fenced in, I closed off the coop, and moved three ducklings in the run. For now, untill they get older, they can have the run. The silkie roosters are going to free range for a while. Next week end, I'll pick up the Marans chicks and they can go into the brooder that the ducks just came out of. then they will move into the big run and have access to the coop. the ducklings have 3 different dog houses to claim. the Silkies can sleep whever they desire.
Thanks for the reply!
Jeff

 

[Jeff n Stella]

We are also hoping to get 8 to 10 guineas as well soon.