I'm new here...also advice on getting new chickens

@RichardF Thank you for the input on integrating the new chickens. I am anticipating our Red Sex Link to do a number on the poor babies since she runs the roost right now, but the plan you described is exactly what I am planning to do so I'm glad to hear it's recommended by other chicken specialists. I'll keep you posted!

I'm curious what your thoughts are on combining chicks from different sources and are different ages. I have a friend who got 2 too many Buff Orpington chicks that are 4 weeks old and will be giving them to me. We want to get 2 or 3 more chicks in addition to the 4 week old chicks, but it's not easy to find other sources (IFA or local farms) that are that age. Most are just a few days old. Will I be asking for trouble to combine chicks that are just a few days old with chicks that are 4 weeks old?

peacefulpuls8 said:

I'm curious what your thoughts are on combining chicks from different sources and are different ages. I have a friend who got 2 too many Buff Orpington chicks that are 4 weeks old and will be giving them to me. We want to get 2 or 3 more chicks in addition to the 4 week old chicks, but it's not easy to find other sources (IFA or local farms) that are that age. Most are just a few days old. Will I be asking for trouble to combine chicks that are just a few days old with chicks that are 4 weeks old?

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Honestly, I don't have any experience combining chicks 4+ weeks apart in age. Older chicks tend to bully younger, smaller chicks; however, Buff Orpingtons are generally VERY docile, so your scenario just MIGHT work. If you decide to try it, I would supervise the chicks closely and if picking progresses beyond the initial "pecking order" squabbles, be prepared to jump into action and separate them. I would definitely have the makings of another setup "waiting in the wings" in case the older chicks relentlessly antagonize and/or injure the younger ones. In my experience, red heat lamps as opposed to clear ones help reduce picking.

As far as combining chicks from different sources, I think it all boils down to how much risk you're comfortable assuming. The gold standard would be for each group of chicks to have its own separate brooder its own separate air space (different rooms or buildings). THAT being said, we are currently brooding 27 chicks from 3 different sources (2 local breeders and a hatchery) in the SAME brooder. We have 2-week old bantams, 1-week old bantams, and 2-day old standards. I've reached the conclusion that the smaller the chicken, the bigger the attitude.

As always, keep us posted and let us know if you think of any more questions.