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to separate or not?

Discussion in 'Raising Baby Chicks' started by snaffle1, May 4, 2008.

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  1. May 4, 2008 #1
    snaffle1

    snaffle1 Hatching

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    May 4, 2008
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    I have 4 silkies and 2 turken that incubated and hatched together. they are 3 1/2 weeks old and the turken are now approximately twice as big as the silkies. While I have no idea on the sex of the silkies, I am fairly confident the Turkens consist of one pullet and one roo.

    There have been no problems so far with the Turken bullying the silkies, but I am wondering if I need to prepare for that? They are much bigger, and I think the difference is growing by the day. Will there come a time when they will realize their size superiority and take it out on the little ones?

    Thanks!!
    Jaime
    first time chick mama
     
  2. May 4, 2008 #2
    BettyR

    BettyR Songster 10 Years

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    Mar 1, 2008
    Texas Gulf Coast
    I wouldn’t worry about it until it happens. If they are getting along well together leave them alone; if the bigger ones start picking on the smaller ones then separate them.
     
  3. May 4, 2008 #3
    Davaroo

    Davaroo Poultry Crank

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    Feb 4, 2007
    Leesville, SC
    I suggest you be prepared for the birds to have it out - they will eventually. It is the natural thing they do, ordering the dominance hierarchy, what we call the "pecking order."
    In fact they are already doing it, you can be certain.

    Since you have such a disparity in size, it would be a good idea to have the room for them to do this at all times. Once they are out of the brood chamber, some hidey spots for them to duck into when things get strenuous would also be good.

    And you may be surprised to find one of your Silkies to be dominant. Stranger things have happened.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: May 4, 2008

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