1-day old and 2-week old together?

[silversage03]

I have a 2-week old chick that has been in the house under a heat lamp since it was 2 days old. Yesterday one of my broodies had a brand new chick under her and another working on getting out of the shell. The 2nd chick didn't make it and I'm wanting to bring the first into the house. What are your thoughts on putting it with the 2-week old chick. Bad idea, good idea?

 

[CowgirlPenny]

Bad. I think that's too far apart in age. If you only have one brooder, section off a small part for the one small chick. I meshed a group of chicks that were 8 days apart and that was tough enough, the bigger ones were very mean for a day or two.

 

[9farmgirl9]

Is the chick by itself if so then it would probably like the new chicks company but id try it first. If theolder chick is constantly peckin the little one i wouldnt put them toghether. I would but the lil one in and watch, if it doesnt bother the other to much id leave it in. 1 hve a 3 day old chick in with 7 one month olds and they get along fine, but it depends on the chicks

 

[silversage03]

Sorry I didn't get back to everyone on this. I put the new chicks in and kept an eye on things...and they've all been together ever since!! There is a considerable size difference, of course, but no pecking on or bullying of the little ones. One happy family!

 

[Moonkit]

I've been considering this.. and I've been thinking that it might be best to introduce the newcomers at night when everyone is sleepy. That seems to have worked well with doctoring my chick with a hurt eye. The others are so sleepy that they aren't that interested in pecking on her.

 

[Judy]

Recently I've read several times that different age chicks under 4 weeks can be mixed without a problem.

 

[Glenmar]

Quote:
I hope so. I have 12 in my Brinsea in lockdown now and 5 under broodies due to hatch June 10. I would love to be able to brood them together.

 

[CranberryCreekFarm]

It personally worked out for me, I had 6 - 3 week old easter eggers in the brooder and put my 2 day old incubated chicks in. They fit right in. I think it depends on the birds as all personalities are different.