Age difference with chicks

[SpicyDisaster]

If they are partitioned in the same brooder with a hardwire cloth divider for the first two weeks I think maybe introduction at 2 & 4 weeks should go smoothly? They will go out into the growout pen at 6/8 weeks of age I think. Trying to remember when they are feathered enough.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

I’ve had no problem mixing chicks of different ages up to about four weeks of age. Certain exceptions a bit older.
I have a separate brooder for the newly hatched chicks where they spend the first 2 to 3 days learning how to eat and drink and stay under the heat. Then they move over to the bigger kids area.

 

[SpicyDisaster]

I’ve had no problem mixing chicks of different ages up to about four weeks of age. Certain exceptions a bit older.
I have a separate brooder for the newly hatched chicks where they spend the first 2 to 3 days learning how to eat and drink and stay under the heat. Then they move over to the bigger kids area.

Gotcha so you keep them separated for a few days before introduction then? The shipped ones would be arriving at 2-3 days old already so maybe another few days alone to recuperate then see how it goes through a divider.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

Gotcha so you keep them separated for a few days before introduction then? The shipped ones would be arriving at 2-3 days old already so maybe another few days alone to recuperate then see how it goes through a divider.

Sounds like a good plan.

 

[chickengr]

I have 4 one week old chicks and just hatched 2. when I put the little ones with them my "big" 4 got scared

 

[Punkybrewster]

I’ve had no problem mixing chicks of different ages up to about four weeks of age. Certain exceptions a bit older.
I have a separate brooder for the newly hatched chicks where they spend the first 2 to 3 days learning how to eat and drink and stay under the heat. Then they move over to the bigger kids area.

I agree. This is what I do and have had no problems.

 

[junior67]

Our order of chicks is shipping 2/28. We were supposed to be going to Hawaii Monday for two weeks but kiddo popped a positive COVID test so I'm thinking I need some sooner chicks in my life for consolation reasons

Would two weeks age difference be too much? I've done one week difference without issue. Pretty sure I could section the brooder tank in half for a couple weeks to allow growth at least.

Thoughts? Suggestions??

did you end up getting other chicks and putting them together?

I am thinking of doing one last attempt at hatching some eggs at the end of the week but I am getting chicks at the same time I would be putting eggs in the incubator so they would be 3 weeks different. I was thinking if I kept them in a separate brooder for 4 days to get stronger then putting them with the others it may be ok..

@MysteryChicken and @LadiesAndJane what is the oldest age gap you do that seems to work?

 

[LadiesAndJane]

did you end up getting other chicks and putting them together?

I am thinking of doing one last attempt at hatching some eggs at the end of the week but I am getting chicks at the same time I would be putting eggs in the incubator so they would be 3 weeks different. I was thinking if I kept them in a separate brooder for 4 days to get stronger then putting them with the others it may be ok..

@MysteryChicken and @LadiesAndJane what is the oldest age gap you do that seems to work?

I have no problem integrating chicks up to about four weeks difference in age.
Though first when the smaller ones are about 3 to 4 days of age.

 

[MysteryChicken]

did you end up getting other chicks and putting them together?

I am thinking of doing one last attempt at hatching some eggs at the end of the week but I am getting chicks at the same time I would be putting eggs in the incubator so they would be 3 weeks different. I was thinking if I kept them in a separate brooder for 4 days to get stronger then putting them with the others it may be ok..

@MysteryChicken and @LadiesAndJane what is the oldest age gap you do that seems to work?

I've put 1 day olds, & 3 day olds in with 3-4 week olds many times with little to no issues.

 

[Punkybrewster]

I have 3 hatches all together right now in the brooder. 1,2,3 weeks apart.
I wait until I see the chick eating and drinking on their own then put them in that day.