Silkies living with standard size breeds

[tashaner]

We are considering adding a plymouth rock or such to the flock of silkies. If we get a youngster and it's introduced when young, would they all get along ok in the long run?

I've seen a lot of posts about introducing Silkies to existing flocks but not the other way around. I don't want the Silkies to get hurt or bullied.

 

[4 ever Orpington]

We are considering adding a plymouth rock or such to the flock of silkies. If we get a youngster and it's introduced when young, would they all get along ok in the long run?

I've seen a lot of posts about introducing Silkies to existing flocks but not the other way around. I don't want the Silkies to get hurt or bullied.

I have three silkie hen’s with ten heritage breed birds. They get along fine. Matter of fact my littlest silkie is the #2 under boss to my Orpington hen.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I generally recommend against integrating Silkies with standard breeds.

I find that the Silkies were often hazed, or more importantly, the top knot was just too tempting to peck by the curious which can cause brain injury to Silkies due to their vaulted skull.

Could it work? Yes, with the right Silkies and the right standard bird(s).

I can see the one Plymouth could be hazed by the Silkies at first. Adding several Plymouths to avoid that could multiply the potential for a sub-flock which then could pose a risk to the Silkies.

Birds of a feather really do generally like to flock together, and oddities are often picked on especially those slow waddling Silkies with funny bobbing head crests.

You could try it, but be prepared for a Plan B.

Just my experiences.

LofMc

 

[Beer can]

Just keep a eye on them see how they get along.
I put a bunch of silkies with a mix flock of large breeds, the silkies did fine, the other birds actually avoided them like the were aliens or something lol.
I also once crossed white jersey giants and white silkies with no prob, giant roo over silkie hens

 

[4 ever Orpington]

We are considering adding a plymouth rock or such to the flock of silkies. If we get a youngster and it's introduced when young, would they all get along ok in the long run?

I've seen a lot of posts about introducing Silkies to existing flocks but not the other way around. I don't want the Silkies to get hurt or bullied.

If the silkies are older. Or raised with the full sized birds things should be fine. My Buff silkie protects her little silkie friends from all comer’s. No one in my flock will challenge her. Except the boss Buff Orpington hen. All in the attitude and she has a boat load of it!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Just keep a eye on them see how they get along.
I put a bunch of silkies with a mix flock of large breeds, the silkies did fine, the other birds actually avoided them like the were aliens or something lol.
I also once crossed white jersey giants and white silkies with no prob, giant roo over silkie hens

I've had Silkie roos with wishful thoughts (but lacking in stature), but my bantams have been hurt by my full size boys. Wow. That was quite a cross you pulled off!

LofMc

 

[4 ever Orpington]

Just keep a eye on them see how they get along.
I put a bunch of silkies with a mix flock of large breeds, the silkies did fine, the other birds actually avoided them like the were aliens or something lol.
I also once crossed white jersey giants and white silkies with no prob, giant roo over silkie hens

While I don’t recommend it my lil Buff hen all 2 lbs of her loved my 10.5 lbs Buff Orpington rooster! She was crazy about him. Had to separate them before he crushed her. Broke her lil heart.

 

[emmyn74]

Yes if getting the Plymouth Rock...i would make it a female if u can...other than that...they should be fine...my silkies get along with everyone and if the Plymouth Rock is a young one it will get used to them before it's an adult and shouldn't pick on them.