Hi Mimi,
I keep my silkies separate from my standards unless the standards are raised w/silkies. I would watch them VERY closely as you integrate them. Also make sure their crests are plucked so they can see, I need to do this occasionally so mine can see properly. Also do you have a rooster? I wouldn't put a standard size roo in w/my silkies either, they could get injured if he tries to mate them. I have a young but HUGE blue orp. cockerel that will be moving out of my silkie pen this weekend as he would easily crush them if he tried to mate them.

-Sheila

Silkies are naturally very sweet and more than likely yours will end up at the bottom of the pecking order, so don't be surprised.

I've got info on integrating new flock members on my chicken info site, here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~velvetsparrow/VSChickIntroducingNewBirdsToFlock.htm

As for trimming their crests--you may need to (only if the birds have trouble seeing) or you may not. See how it goes. Most people I know trim the feathers around the birds' eyes with blunt tipped (NOT pointed!) nail scissors if need be. Less traumatic than plucking.

Silkies, and other crested breeds, literally have a hole in their skull through which their brains protrude (thank humans for breeding for bigger crests for this). Because of this and and the fact that they can't see well with those poofs on their heads, they are prone to 'Head Boinks'--wither they bump their noggins on things or get pecked on the head by other chickens. If your Silkies suffer a head injury and they starting acting strange--unable to stand, walking backwards and dragging their heads on the ground, unable to lift their heads, etc., there are treatments you can do at home to save them. More info is here (this man is a well-known Silkie breeder and knows his stuff), make sure and also read the linked article on crested fowl at the bottom of the page:

http://www.browneggblueegg.com/Article.html

Velvet ~:>

Thanks for the info. So far things are going good with everyone. But I also have been spending way too much time watching them. My rooster is a gentleman. But he is still a roo. I think that is my main worry is them getting hurt in mating. The lady I got them from seemed to think they would all be fine with such a tame flock (family). I love all my sweet lil chickens. Just want them all to be happy.