My RIRs will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. I have a suspicion that I have more roos than pullets. So I am contemplating ordering 3 Buff orps and 3 black Australorps all girls to make sure I have enough girls. My RIRs are in a brooder outside in the shed. It's pretty big. If I get these new chicks, do I have to keep them in a separate brooder? How soon could I introduce them to the RIRs? And what would be the best way to do that? Thanks Here's one of my RIR babies.
They are going to be about 5-6 weeks apart, so it won't be too difficult. I would not put day old chicks in with 6 week olds. They could very well pick on the babies. Can you divide the brooder with some chicken wire? If you can that would be the best way so they are visible but seperated - then they can get to know each other. You can put them together when they are around the same size.
I did the same thing but I put a sheet of cardboard with a long hole in it covered with packing tape. Started to lose its efectiveness when my phoenix started to fly over it because my cochins were bullying them
