Will my big chicken peck a smaller chicken when introduced?

[3clucks]

Hello there, I am fairly new to raising chickens, as I started in April of this year and have recently bought 4 standard size chickens varying in breeds and would also like to get a silkie to add to my flock, but I am afraid that my bigger birds will peck and possibly injure a silkie since I am pretty sure that the silkie breed is a sort of bantam type chicken and can be more fragile (please correct me if I’m wrong). Any tips to avoid this problem or introduce them all slowly so they are more friendly towards a smaller one?
Thanks 3clucks

 

[ChickNanny13]

I'm no expert but read alot here ...
Some say keep the bantam separate from the LF, while other have integrated the two sizes. Have read Silkies have a "soft" spot on the top of their heads, hence being pecked on the top of their head can be problematic.

When introducing new chicks/chickens to the flock, See but No Touch is recommended alot. Section off part of the coop with it's own feed & water, adding the newbies. This allows the Newbies to be part of the flock, yet protected from the "territorial" of the flock. They are able to see each other but not able to injure each other. You could also build a smaller coop/run along side of what you have now sharing a common wall made of wire, keeping the two sizes separate and maybe integrating down the road.

I rehome my all my "flock" instead of integrating ... It's the "chicken" in me. I'm limited to the amount I can keep (4-6) and have learned having all the same breed or at least two of a kind makes for harmony.

 

[HuskerHens18]

That is probably not a good idea. If I remember right, Silkies have a hole in their skull where their little poof is. Getting pecked on the head, especially by a large chicken, can be lethal.
I completely understand wanting a new breed of chicken, it's exciting. I hate to be a downer, but I do not suggest you go through with getting a silkie unless you have another, private enclosure where you can own bantams separate from your standard sized chickens. I just would hate to see you post a future thread where your poor silkie was pecked to death, no one should go through that.

To me, the easiest way of introduction is the dog kennel method. Put the new chicken in the dog crate, in the center of your coop/run. Leave the new chicken in there for a week, maybe two. The flock will get used to her company and there should be less pecking. But there always will be pecking, it won't be eliminated. I wish you good luck Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[3clucks]

Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it. Although the chickens I have now are between 3-4 months old, would that make a difference since they are younger and not full grown? If not then I won’t purchase any.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

Thanks so much for the info, I really appreciate it. Although the chickens I have now are between 3-4 months old, would that make a difference since they are younger and not full grown? If not then I won’t purchase any.

No, the age doesn't matter,
except sometimes for chicks less than ~4 weeks old.
3-4 months is plenty old enough to be territorial and strong enough to cause injury.
Silkies do have those 'fragile' skulls.

Integrating a single bird is another tricky thing, it's better to add more than 1.


Here are some tips on....
Integration Basics:
It's all about territory and resources(space/food/water).
Existing birds will almost always attack new ones to defend their resources.
Understanding chicken behaviors is essential to integrating new birds into your flock.

Confine new birds within sight but physically segregated from older/existing birds for several weeks, so they can see and get used to each other but not physically interact.

In adjacent runs, spread scratch grains along the dividing mesh, best if mesh is just big enough for birds to stick their head thru, so they get used to eating together.

The more space, the better. Birds will peck to establish dominance, the pecked bird needs space to get away. As long as there's no copious blood drawn and/or new bird is not trapped/pinned down and beaten unmercilessly, let them work it out. Every time you interfere or remove new birds, they'll have to start the pecking order thing all over again.

Multiple feed/water stations. Dominance issues are most often carried out over sustenance, more stations lessens the frequency of that issue.

Places for the new birds to hide 'out of line of sight'(but not a dead end trap) and/or up and away from any bully birds. Roosts, pallets or boards leaned up against walls or up on concrete blocks, old chairs tables, branches, logs, stumps out in the run can really help. Lots of diversion and places to 'hide' instead of bare wide open run.

This used to be a better search, new format has reduced it's efficacy, but still:
Read up on integration..... BYC advanced search>titles only>integration
This is good place to start reading, BUT some info is outdated IMO:
http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

 

[3clucks]

Thanks, all of this was very helpful and I will definitely be taking everything into consideration. I’m now thinking I will just opt for a bigger breed that would fit in better with my flock and avoid any injuries or possible fatalities. I really appreciate all the advice.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

... recently bought 4 standard size chickens varying in breeds and would also like to get a silkie to add to my flock, but I am afraid that my bigger birds will peck and possibly injure a silkie since I am pretty sure that the silkie breed is a sort of bantam type chicken...

The reality of the pecking order is that unless a larger, older, stronger, more powerful, aggressive, and athletic chicken is able to make a smaller, younger, weaker, less powerful, unassertive, and clumsy chicken's life a living hell, then what good is the pecking order to a flock of chickens? We can like it or we can lump it but it is just how chickens roll.
The upside is that everything being equal (especially size) every dog has his or her day and the chicken who was down last month may well be the terror of the coop next month.