Silkie thread!

I usually let mine go together at about four weeks.  The momma hens will guard the chicks.  My opinion is that the younger chickens don't have a problem with the chicks.  I usually sit with them the first couple of times until I see that the other chickens aren't paying much attention to the little ones.  What I noticed is that my flock learns from their experiences and it gets better and easier each time. 

I usually let them go together late in the afternoon/evening about an hour before they go to roost or however much time I have to spend with them.   I do that a couple of days and see how it goes.  Then maybe I'll let them together for a few hours later in the evening before roost.  I go by when the sun sets.  That way the chickens are tired and not hungry.  One hour before sunset is when they start going to roost.  I start with that first hour before bedtime and then add more time each day.

Edited to add: 

I start at the 4 week mark because my broody hens start at anywhere from 5 to 6 weeks (usually) to leave the chicks on their own.  This gives the chicks time to be with the flock while the momma can guard them.


Thanks for the reply, I think I'll give it till the ninth when the youngest chick will be four weeks then I'll try letting them out and watch how it goes. For now I'll start advertising for a home for another one of my paints that is turning out to be a boy :( beautiful round fluffy guy, thought it was a girl. Still hasn't crowed but is attempting to dance for the girls.
If he goes quick I'll only have two juveniles to worry about with the chicks.
 
And in all the confusion and sadness we didn't know we had also lost our roo Brainy :(
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:( so sad. Do you know what it was? I bet it will be back tonight, I would set a trap for it. It may try harder to get in now watch out for anything it can chew thru like chicken wire, make sure you have 1/4" hardware wire on coop. Very sorry.
 
I'm just wondering how do you know if it is a showgirl right after it hatches. Just because it is from show stock doesn't mean it will be.
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Showgirl is the "common" nickname for naked neck silkies because that is what they look like
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She is not show quality by any means, but if it was judged by cuteness I think she would be a contender!

Sorry that was funny, i'm not making fun of you just never though about it that way. There is an adult showgirl pullet in my avatar.
 
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I sifted some of the natural constuction sand we use for our coops with a flour sifter and gave it to our 6 and 7 week olds to try dust bathing. lol they arent quite sure about it. Chance is in there chirping to everyone that it is safe.
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I sifted some of the natural constuction sand we use for our coops with a flour sifter and gave it to our 6 and 7 week olds to try dust bathing. lol they arent quite sure about it. Chance is in there chirping to everyone that it is safe.
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Odd question but how big is the brooder. I like how there are 10 good sized silkies and there is still space.
 

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