Brooder for 2 different shipments

[NJChicken]

Hi,

Our first chicks arrive next week!

First group of chicks (6) we are picking up from Moyer's/Pa (Reds: hybrid cross between a White Rock egg-layer type female and a Rhode Island Red male) on Tuesday and the second group (4) arrives via mail the following week from Ohio (Buf Orpington).

Questions:

1. Since they are arriving a week apart, Any issue with mixing these in the same brooder or do I need to separate brooders??
2. Also, since we are suppose to decrease the temp by 5 degrees/week. Do I need two separate brooders for the two batches until we achieve similar ambient temperature needs??

Thanks

 

[gryeyes]

Noop. Put 'em in the same brooder. A week's difference in age is nothing. And for the temps, well, I have NEVER used a thermometer. I guage the temp for them by their behavior and raise or lower the heat lamp accordingly. When checking the temps out of curiosity, I've discovered all my chicks tend to be happier about five degrees less than the recommended temperature for their age.

So, you could split the difference in temps, if you are a thermometer user.

 

[NJChicken]

Thanks!