We first had 2 NJ giants, then introduced 2 RIR's about three months ago, all hens. This week we brought home 2 seventeen week old silkies. We had them in a separate pen at first, and the RIR's were going bananas trying to get at them. When we finally let them out in the garden (under supervision) the RIR's went nuts attacking them. They lost interest after I shooed them away repeatedly, as soon as I walked away for a moment they were back at it.
Should I keep them separated for longer? The silkies will be in a run within the area the RIR's free range, so they'll be able to see each other. Or should I just let them get on with it and establish their own pecking order? I'm concerned the larger hens are actually going to cause injury to the poor little ones, they weigh around a pound each. The New Jersey giants couldn't care less either way, as long as they are fed and can lay in their dust bath all day.
Should I keep them separated for longer? The silkies will be in a run within the area the RIR's free range, so they'll be able to see each other. Or should I just let them get on with it and establish their own pecking order? I'm concerned the larger hens are actually going to cause injury to the poor little ones, they weigh around a pound each. The New Jersey giants couldn't care less either way, as long as they are fed and can lay in their dust bath all day.