adding to the brooder in stages

[cptbahama]

We are getting our first chicks tomorrow, but we can only get two.

In about 3 weeks, we can get another one (as the varieties we want come available at the local farm).
Then two more in another week, and so on until we end up with about 7, adding the last chicks around mid march to early April.
Can we just add two day old baby chicks to a box with say 2, 3, or 5 or 6 week olds? This sounds like it may be trouble.

And how long can I expect say a standard size to raise from two day old to big enough to release in the outdoor coop?

 

[HorseFeatherz NV]

Congrats on the chicks

I have split a brooder, with new hatches on one side and 3/4 weeks olds on the other side. Then in about a week, if there is enough room and I will combine them.


I stick mine outside any where from 8 to 12 weeks of age in the "big" coop. Depending upon the groups disposition and the chicks attitude.

 

[felidaet]

I had some bad experiences mixing chicks of various ages last year. If they are under 12 weeks old I don't recommend there age difference be any more than 3 weeks. The older ones trample the little ones too easily. I lost a couple this way. I don't think it was intentional. It was just that the bigger birds were so much bigger and more active. Young chicks grow very fast. I had about 25 chicks in a brooder that was 8' x 3'. I am sure you are going to have problems.