To silkie, or not to silkie?

[LaFleche]

Very often Silkies or Polish will get mobbed and even killed by normal looking hens that were not raised with them from a young age.
RIR or RIR mixes are known to be racists and rather mercyless in their persuit to keep "strangers" out and away from their premises.

If you are set to get these two new chickens, I would advise to rehome your RIR mix first.

ETA: I just looked at your pictures and judging by the size of this tiny coop it would be best to only house two bantams (Silkies or whatever) in it.

 

[kburruano]

I know. It's sad but true

 

[LaFleche]

They will often get pecked to death or scalped by normal breeds, this is just one example:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/injured-polish-head-pecked.1497495/#post-25003972

 

[LaFleche]

I'm new to chickens. I never imagined in my life how much there was to know

Don't worry, you have come to the right place to learn all about chickens and other poultry.

There are so many knowledgeable members here on BYC that will let you pick their brains whenever you are in need.

 

[3KillerBs]

I'm new to chickens. I never imagined in my life how much there was to know

We'll help you in every way we can.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you have no plans to build a bigger coop in the near future, I'd consider enlarging the current one before considering adding any additional bird(s).

To turn it from 2 small "boxes" (tiny coop above tiny run) into 1 bigger "box" you'll want to remove as much of the inside coop wall as possible, plus the floor. Take out the old roosts too.

Nests might be able to stay as is, or may need to be relocated elsewhere or replaced - depends on the structure of the coop and how things inside stack up once done.

Run a new roost(s) lengthwise or widthwise across the newly open space, depending on how much roost is needed. Ideally you’d like 12” per bird but 10” can suffice in many cases.

Board up some of the external wire walls so that the roost area is protected from winds and rain. Do NOT fully cover up all the wire, you need ventilation and natural light, so at the very least a few inches under the roofline should remain open. If your climate allows for it, you can leave entire walls open with just the mesh, or make it convertible for the season by covering up open walls for winter, and then uncovering for summer.

Example of a modified prefab: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-renovated-prefab-coop.1440258/

 

[kburruano]

If you have no plans to build a bigger coop in the near future, I'd consider enlarging the current one before considering adding any additional bird(s).

To turn it from 2 small "boxes" (tiny coop above tiny run) into 1 bigger "box" you'll want to remove as much of the inside coop wall as possible, plus the floor. Take out the old roosts too.

Nests might be able to stay as is, or may need to be relocated elsewhere or replaced - depends on the structure of the coop and how things inside stack up once done.

Run a new roost(s) lengthwise or widthwise across the newly open space, depending on how much roost is needed. Ideally you’d like 12” per bird but 10” can suffice in many cases.

Board up some of the external wire walls so that the roost area is protected from winds and rain. Do NOT fully cover up all the wire, you need ventilation and natural light, so at the very least a few inches under the roofline should remain open. If your climate allows for it, you can leave entire walls open with just the mesh, or make it convertible for the season by covering up open walls for winter, and then uncovering for summer.

Example of a modified prefab: https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-renovated-prefab-coop.1440258/

Ummm that's ingenious!

 

[The-White-Elephant]

First of all…. We are so glad you joined! You have found the best community to ask about any chicken/poultry problems you might have! Loads of friendly people as well!

Now, to your question. In order to introduce a new chicken to a flock, you would (95% if the time) have to put the new chicken separated from your current flock, but at the same time, the new chicken and the flock must see each other at all times (or at least most of the times) so when you’ll put them together, there’s a less chance of them fighting. BUT Avery rarely, you could just put a chicken in without separating it and she’ll get along right away. Try which one works best for you, and good luck!

 

[kburruano]

That's not what I want hear

 

[LaFleche]

Omw that is awful...

Yes, and sadly that is what usually happens when mixing Silkies/Polish with normal breeds.

@Vickischics chicks even built a separate coop for her Polish girls after one of them almost got killed by her normal layers.