WILL THEY FIGHT?

[suburbansilkies]

Hi guys, I was offered a third chicken for my birthday but am not sure if I should take up the offer? I have two hens, a silkie and a frizzle who get on really well. Will bringing another one in mean theh would fight and disturb the order of things as chickens are very hierarchical? I have the space and all the supplies to house a third one of roughly the same size! Should I do it or not? Opinions?

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Adding another bird would be just fine. They should get along well. The only concern would be if the new chicken is of a very large breed i.e. Orpington, Brahma, Jersey Giant, etc. then the Silkie and Frizzle might get picked on a bit. Otherwise, it will work well. It is normal for there to be some pecking at first, but they will establish the pecking order fast.

 

[QueenMisha]

Welcome to BYC. It's great to have you!

With only two other birds, I wouldn't be too concerned about introducing a third. I'd recommend keeping them physically separated but in visual contact for 2-3 days before actually placing them together. Though I would be especially cautious if the bird is LF, as your others are bantam. I'd be concerned about it going after the small birds.

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings and ! Happy you joined our community! I agree with the above. Best of luck to you!

 

[Cynthia12]

Bantam gave you some great advice. I often put new pullets with my olders. Because I hatch, I have new ones going in with the hens often. They may chase them off for a while, but if they have plenty of room, they will be fine to get away if one decides to peck..which, they usually don't do hard enough to do any harm. There are exceptions. But, like I said, I've had great luck introducing new ones to my flock. Good luck. Go for it I say!

 

[drumstick diva]

Would the new bird be a bantam? Also male or female?

 

[suburbansilkies]

Would the new bird be a bantam? Also male or female?

Yes it would be a bantam and female because we're not allowed cockerels in our area? Good idea to have another addition to our small family?