Adding in a 4-5 week old chick with other 4-5 week old chicks

[DuckDuckSook]

Hi there.

We lost one of our chicks this morning. She had been struggling and failed to thrive. It was really sad and I'd like to try to add another one into our new small flock, if possible. We have 3 chicks that were 4 weeks old this past Friday. Can I add in another chick of the same age? Has anyone else done this successfully? Thanks in advance.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd be careful. After the first week or two they may or may not accept another. I would personally get at least 2 or 3, and never add just one. You may need to pen them next to each other for a few weeks first.

 

[DuckDuckSook]

I'd be careful. After the first week or two they may or may not accept another. I would personally get at least 2 or 3, and never add just one. You may need to pen them next to each other for a few weeks first.

Ok. Yeah. I was planning on splitting my xlarge brooder up and put the new ones on the other side. I have to see. If it works out, it works out. I'm not even sure if I can find any that are the right age.

 

[rosemarythyme]

With chicks things may be more flexible as they don't have as set a pecking order as older birds would. I've added 7 week olds to 7 week olds without any integration period, no issues, but they were all outside so plenty of space and things to keep them busy.

I do agree that adding 2 would be better than 1.

Or... while I know you said you'd like 4 birds in this batch, maybe wait until next year and integrate in 2-3 more birds to help stagger their ages as well as egg production?

 

[DuckDuckSook]

With chicks things may be more flexible as they don't have as set a pecking order as older birds would. I've added 7 week olds to 7 week olds without any integration period, no issues, but they were all outside so plenty of space and things to keep them busy.

I do agree that adding 2 would be better than 1.

Or... while I know you said you'd like 4 birds in this batch, maybe wait until next year and integrate in 2-3 more birds to help stagger their ages as well as egg production?

I was thinking it would be easier with younger chicks. I've raised many chicks over the last 5 years and integrated them in with other birds at different times with different ages. I've never done chicks with chicks though.
I get what you are saying about staggering ages. I currently have 9 other chickens ranging in ages from about a year, 2 years, and 3 years old. I always have birds of different ages.