Advice on mixing chicks of different ages needed plese

[Murmur]

I have 3 silkie chicks that are 3 weeks old and 3 that are 8 days old. I really need them to all be in the same brooder. Can anyone give me advice on how to make this happen smoothly. The are alongside each other and have had a good look at each other. I'm just concerned that the big hooligans might pick on the little ones. I'll of course keep my eyes on them and hook out the babies if things get rough. Just wondered if anyone knows of any tricks that might help

 

[SueT]

They might pick on them or at least push them around to prevent the littles from eating. Even if they don't, the issue I see is that it's time to start weaning the 3 wk olds from the heat source. It might work if there's an area that's completely away from the heat source and the bigs start hanging out at that end....and you have more than one feeder......

 

[chickens really]

Separate with wire so they can look but not touch each other for a few days..

 

[Murmur]

I hadn't considered weaning the 3 week olds away from the heat.
Should I be doing that already?

 

[BoyTheRooster]

Split the brooder down lengthwise so both age groups have access to heat and cool. They should be able to see each other but not touch because the older chicks will bully the little ones.
When the little ones are a few weeks old try introducing them under supervision. You might be able to introduce them sooner though because silkies are generally nicer chickens, but you know your chicks best

 

[SueT]

I hadn't considered weaning the 3 week olds away from the heat.
Should I be doing that already?

Well, the idea is to gradually lower the temp as they get older so that by at least 5 weeks, they don't need heat source. Some do it earlier, and often some end up doing it later, so maybe you'll be okay with the 2 week age difference. Maybe they'll all get along fine and that would be more important than worrying about the temperature. Let us know how it goes!