Are chicks raised in a brooder different to ones raised in the flock?

[User395221]

I'm curious.....

I was outside today and organising a new waterer and feeder in the run that the chicks can easily reach (and that I don't have to refill every 10 minutes). One was trying to get at the feeder from the back, but it was too high (it's up on a paver, in the hope that they won't kick dirt in it). I'd also put a paver on the other side, so they could jump up on it to reach, but the big girls were eating from it and the little ones didn't get a spot. (After I saw the littlie trying to jump up I put another brick at the back - only the babies will be able to eat from that side, they'll have their own personal kiddie table). Later on, I gave the girls their salad and there was the usual "free-for-all" to get some. The littlies were kept busy keeping from getting stomped on by the girls. They are out there scratching in the dirt like mum and learning to interact with the other girls.

I wondered whether there is any difference when babies are raised in a brooder. Do they have to learn all of the things to do with getting along with the others, and getting their dinner and everything after they are let outside with the flock? When they're in the brooder, they're only competing with other babies, not having to elbow their way in with big girls. Do they "freak out" a bit when they are confronted by adult chickens? Is there any noticeable difference between a chicken raised in a brooder and one raised in with other adult birds?

 

[lazy gardener]

They learn quickly. There is always the pecking order thing, but IMO, introducing chicks to the adult flock works better than waiting till they are full sized. At full size, they are considered to be a threat to the flock pecking order dynamics. As chicks, they learn how to run in and grab a morsel, and run away with it before the older birds notice enough to react. The older birds consider them to be pests, and will give them the cursory: "mind your elders" peck, where if the youngsters were older than 10 - 12 weeks, the older birds would be compelled to trounce them to drive them to the bottom of the pecking order.

All this is much dependent on there being plenty of room in coop and run. Pity the poor birds of any age who are trying to integrate into a small coop/run, b/c it's not possible for them to retreat far enough to satisfy pecking order protocol.

 

[debid]

I have my brooder side-by-side with the adult run so they can watch the adults from a week old when I give them access to their chick run. I started supervised range time for the latest chicks at 2 weeks and they were able to interact with the ranging adults and would explore the coop while the adults were busy.

Now, keep in mind that my sample size is one, BUT... they seem bolder and were more easily integrated than the previous batch that didn't get shared ranging until more like 6 weeks. They still had the benefit of observation but no touching. The latest batch was fully moved in by 12 weeks beating the previous batch by more than a month. There was much less stress for me because there was much less pecking.

So, I do think there is some difference and they benefit from earlier interaction. That is the exact opposite of what I was told to expect when I started my adventure. But, opinions may change over time with varied experiences.

 

[Blooie]

Every batch of chicks I've ever raised, with the exception of the first one) were raised outside with the adults, and without a heat lamp. It's my opinion - and I stress, my opinion - that chicks raised outside are calmer, more confident, and integration issues are almost nil. The adults see that the chicks are no threat, chicks learn by watching the adults, and boy, do they learn fast! I used a large wire dog exercise pen as a brooder out in the run, with portal doors in it that I can open and lock open. When we tossed the Bigs scratch in the evening, I ran a line of it down on the inside edge of the brooder (Littles' side) and another line on the outside edge of the brooder where the adults were. With the hardware cloth between them, the Bigs and the Littles safely fed head-to-head, and that helped more than just about anything to reduce bullying at the feeder when the Littles were totally integrated by 4 weeks old. Good question, by the way!!

http://www.backyardchickens.com/a/yes-you-certainly-can-brood-chicks-outdoors

 

[Folly's place]

I think there are three groups here, not only two.
Chicks raised in the flock by a broody. They will be as human friendly as mama is, or isn't, and broodies are very protective, so they will likely learn early to avoid humans. They will learn 'chicken things' earliest too, and some will be roosting with mama at three weeks of age! They will tend to get along with the adults easily, and be very predator aware. Some of the cockerels especially will get too independent too soon, and become hawk bait.
Brooder raise chicks that are raised from two or three weeks of age (sooner?) in part of the coop, with adults, and integrated early, will do well, learn politeness from the adults as soon as they are together (four to six weeks of age) and watch adults for hint all the time. They usually become a family group regardless of breeds mixed together.
Brooder raised chicks as a first flock will take longest to learn how to get on in the world, will roost later, and be less careful about dangers. Cockerels will be acting badly with their agemates, and have no adults to smack them for idiot behavior. Most people start this way with chickens, so it all seems normal to them.
I started with a few young adult bantams from a neighbor, and never had that third group experience. My chicks either are broody raised, or brooder raised, out in the coop by three weeks. Mary

 

[User395221]

Thanks everyone.

Brooder raised chicks as a first flock will take longest to learn how to get on in the world, will roost later, and be less careful about dangers. Cockerels will be acting badly with their agemates, and have no adults to smack them for idiot behavior. Most people start this way with chickens, so it all seems normal to them.

That's what I was wondering, about the chicks who stay in a brooder with other chicks and no "adult supervision" (chook supervision ) while they are first born/young. It's a very important time for mammals. Cats, dogs, people they all need "mum time" in early development. A hand-raised kitten (for example) will be physically fine, but they do miss out on learning things from their 'cat-mother' that get passed on in early childhood.

I just wondered whether it affects chickens and how they are. Watching my little babies out there, it's like they are in "chicken boot-camp" in how to do all the chicken-y things. I think they are lucky to be out there "having fun" rather than being in a box brooder. As blooie said, that's just my opinion. It could be that I'm too much of a sook, but I like seeing them run around outside.

(Just as an aside, I'm not sure that I could cope with the stress of working an incubator. I was bad enough worrying about the eggs under the girls without worrying that I hadn't done everything properly. I'd be a complete nervous wreck.)

 

[Chickassan]

Oh you can run an incubator, if I can you can. If you knew me personally you'd have all the confidence in the world in yourself. Not even kidding.

 

[Folly's place]

About kittens; littermates are essential (especially without mama) for their normal mental development, until seven or eight weeks of age. The younger they are raised as solitary orphans, the more 'neurotic' behaviors can develop. Never raise a solitary young orphan kitten! Get friends, preferably age mates, so it's a group. Mary

 

[User395221]

The younger they are raised as solitary orphans, the more 'neurotic' behaviors can develop.

Yes, I know, you'll get an "incompetent" cat. Also with people, there are some people raised in orphanages who weren't given any cuddles or love who have "issues" from a lack of maternal bonding. I was wondering about chickens and whether that early development contact with a "mum" matters or not. Obviously, I'm looking at it more from the perspective of a pet owner than as a chook farmer. If all you want is eggs or meat, it isn't a consideration whether your chooks are "happy" or "neurotic" or "well-balanced" or whatever. In a huge flock, you won't notice the personalities of individuals in the way you do with a small flock where you "know everybody by name".

Chickassan, I'm sure I could work an incubator, I'm just glad I've got the girls to do it and I don't have to stress about making sure it's set "just right".

 

[Chickassan]

Aww potato chip, spazzing out about every detail is the best part. Those hens are spoiling you.