2 hatched but with a 7 day age gap

[Cyber Smoggy]

We have had our very first hatching.

4 eggs have become 2 little Welsumer chicks, the other 2 eggs weren't fertile. The strange part was that the first hatched at day 21 but the second hatched at day 28.

Today will be their first full day together, the older one seems to be really 'mothering' the younger one, leading it around to the food and water etc. It is great to see but on some occasions the older one seems to push/block the younger one from food, trying to keep it under the heat plate.

My issues are whether it is in fact stopping the youngest getting food or trying to stop them getting cold? Will food and water become an issue due to the age gap?

Does anybody have any experience with integration of such a young age gap?

Any words of wisdom will be much appreciated.

 

[sourland]

I would keep an eye on them to make sure the smaller chick is getting enough to eat and drink. If its crop is full, all is well. Good luck with them.