How soon to combine chicks

[Chuckcluck]

Well, Chicken math has begun. I received 6 Easter Eggers from MPC and well, I passed the local farm store and guess what they had Buff Orpingtons. So I go home with a couple of Buff-O's. I have them in a separate brooder, but would like to combine them with the Eggers. If they behave OK for a couple days in their separate brooder, can I combine them with the Eggers? They were in a tub with dozens of other chicks at the farm store.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

How old are each set of birds?

 

[NextGeneration]

I would have them in separate brooders for a few days, but they should be fine together afterwards.

 

[Chuckcluck]

The Eggers are 2 weeks and I am guessing the Buffos are one week or so. BTW the Buffos are so friendly already!!

 

[cafarmgirl]

I would do it asap, the older they get the more issues you'll have with integration.

 

[Chuckcluck]

Well, there are other breeds potentially coming so this will be interesting. I am thinking of some americaunas and some olive Eggers to round out the flock so I guess a few days of isolation and then into club hen they go !!

 

[Chuckcluck]

Well, I combined them. Actually, I made a screened divider so they could see each other for a day, but as soon as I left the Barred Rocks tunneled under it and combined themselves with the others. I figured what the heck and took out the divider. Everyone is getting along fine.

 

[HippiAiti]

I'd only put the divider in if I noticed some bullying. And that usually stops quickly. I make a divider with a small door so the smaller chicks can run and hide if they get bullied. Seems to smooth out any issues so far.