Keep the silkies?

jwest0605

Chirping
Mar 17, 2022
121
239
96
Central Florida
Hi all. I have a few questions of opinion. I have four nearly one year old buff orphington hens. I purchased three silkies as young pullets and now they’re approaching five months old. I’ve had them separated for the most part from the hens due to bullying.

I recently purchased eight rare breed chicks (pullets) and I’ve had them in the same enclosure as the silkies. The idea behind housing them together is that perhaps they’ll think of the silkies as their flock mates.

I eventually want to put all of my chickens together in one run. I’m not sure the silkies will be able to roost with the other chickens though due to roost and coop height.

Do you think it would be possible to integrate the silkies into a normal size flock? Has anybody ever had luck with this? Would it be a better idea to rehome the silkies? I feel bad keeping them in a smaller/separate enclosure (approx 80 square feet). Is that large enough for them if I keep them? I did not realize the issue I would have with silkies cohabitating with normal size hens.

Thank you for your input!
 
Last edited:

Aunt Angus

Crossing the Road
Jul 16, 2018
8,767
22,095
942
Nevada County, CA
Hi all. I have a few questions of opinion. I have four nearly one year old buff orphington hens. I purchased three silkies as young pullets and now they’re approaching five months old. I’ve had them separated for the most part from the hens due to bullying.

I recently purchased eight rare breed chicks (pullets) and I’ve had them in the same enclosure as the silkies. The idea being housing them together is that perhaps they’ll think of the silkies as their flock mates.

I eventually want to put all of my chickens together in one run. I’m not sure the silkies will be able to roost with the other chickens though due to roost and coop height.

Do you think it would be possible to integrate the silkies into a normal size flock? Has anybody ever had luck with this? Would it be a better idea to rehome the silkies? I feel bad keeping them in a smaller/separate enclosure (approx 80 square feet). Is that large enough for them if I keep them? I did not realize the issue I would have with silkies cohabitating with normal size hens.

Thank you for your input!
I have 2 Silkies in with a flock of 10 other large breeds and 5 ducks. They do just fine! Chances are, your Silkies might not be at the bottom of the pecking order; the younger birds will probably be further down the hierarchy. My 2 roost with the big girls, too. My roost is only around 1 ft up because I have very large breeds, and keeping the roost low has mitigated foot injuries.

All that said, they will need lots of room and obstructions to avoid being targeted, if needed. If you find they do get bullied again, I suggest separating the bully for a few days to reset the pecking order.

Violet (the black Silkie there) with some of my big girls, including a massive Brahma and a Cochin. Neither of my Silkies are at the bottom of the pecking order.
20200911_183650.jpg
 

jwest0605

Chirping
Mar 17, 2022
121
239
96
Central Florida
I have 2 Silkies in with a flock of 10 other large breeds and 5 ducks. They do just fine! Chances are, your Silkies might not be at the bottom of the pecking order; the younger birds will probably be further down the hierarchy. My 2 roost with the big girls, too. My roost is only around 1 ft up because I have very large breeds, and keeping the roost low has mitigated foot injuries.

All that said, they will need lots of room and obstructions to avoid being targeted, if needed. If you find they do get bullied again, I suggest separating the bully for a few days to reset the pecking order.

Violet (the black Silkie there) with some of my big girls, including a massive Brahma and a Cochin. Neither of my Silkies are at the bottom of the pecking order.
View attachment 3059876
Thank you. That gives me hope. I have a cross-beak buff that goes out of her way to peck at my silkies. I’ll try temporarily separating her if necessary. And one of my roost is about a foot off of the ground and the other is about a foot and a half. They’re staggered. I’m more so concerned with the ramp leading into the coop. It’s steep. So far the silkies have not roosted in their coop. It’s a prefab, store bought coop that sits low to the ground.
 

DesireeB

Chirping
Jun 30, 2022
70
107
65
I have found throwing them right in with the regulars as soon as possible the better the integration. too much work also to separate. when i bought my first chickens, i asked the lady if she had any advice. Her only reply was, "Don't let them stress you out." I always try to remember her words. Makes raising more fun.
 

rollinrockell

Songster
7 Years
Mar 31, 2015
69
191
131
I've always raised my silkies with my layers and its never been a problem in that respect but each set and space has it unique challenge.
 

jwest0605

Chirping
Mar 17, 2022
121
239
96
Central Florida
I ended up rehoming them with a coworker. He had other silkies. I had a buff orphington hen that would bully them. Looking back, I probably should have rehomed the buff. They have a good home so I can’t say I’m disappointed with my decision.
 

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