adding baby chicks to existing baby chicks

[jamessd]

Hello all. I have 3 week old chicks. 2 Rhode island reds, a barred rock, and a buff Orpington. They are awesome. I was wondering if it is OK for me to add 2 araucanas to the mix. They are just a week old. Will I be creating a problem or am I just over thinking this?I want my chicks to start off happy and it appears to be going really well so far. I was hoping that they are all young enough to not really notice anything at all. Thanks so much

 

[Makomd]

You could try it but you would need to watch for picking and huddling. Personally I would not do it, size wise there is a good bit of difference.

Good luck

 

[SequoyahFarms]

Because its only a two week age difference I would try it. At a week old the new ones aren't as vulnerable as day olds. They have their bearings a bit. You'll just have to watch them closely and be prepared to separate them if need be. They'll let you know pretty quickly if its not going to work out. You could also maybe distract them by changing their environment, even if its just taking them out and putting them all in a box together while you clean the brooder then put the week olds in first. Good luck. I think it can work

 

[jamessd]

I probably should've thought of this before hand. I had originally planned to bring in new chickens in a few years but all the info I've been reading has made me change my mind on the matter. I'm was kind of hoping that a few week difference in age wouldn't matter. From what I've read so far the breeds seem to be friendly enough. Are they really that territorial at such a young age?

 

[SequoyahFarms]

They can be, but i think they should be fine. Just watch them.