Adding One Chick to Three Older Chicks

[cr213636]

I have three chicks who are about three days old. However, I also wanted an australorp, which the feed store didn't have. They said that I could get one next week, but then it would be one week younger than the other three. Is that okay? Or should I just wait until next year and get an australorp with three chicks it's own age? I *might* be able to get two chicks next week, so would that help?

Thanks!

 

[cochins1088]

I have combined chicks up 3 weeks apart in the past with no problems. Usually it's situation dependant though. I would say with only a one week difference, you will be fine. They almost always peck a bit at first, but then they will accept him and stop. Just watch them for the first 30 minutes or so to see how they react. Most likely it will go well. I have even put 3 week silkies with 6 week giant cochins (huge size difference) the cochins pecked a few times in the first 5 or so minutes and quit and they grew up together just fine.