Can I mix 3 week old chicks with day-olds

[happyhensny]

I just got 4 Australorps, 2 Wesummers & 2 Bantam Blue Cochins. They will be 3 wks old when I get 20 silkie chicks. Can they go in the same brooder?

 

[EweSheep]

Nope. Not until they can defend themselves at an older age.

I would put some kind of divider, like a plexiglass divider that way they can see each other but not go pick on them. It all depends on the size of the brooder too.

Good luck!

 

[bossdog004]

I just did. I had 3 2.5 week old Barred Rocks and got 2 RIR and 4 Americanas. Put them all in the home made brooder anad all is well. The little one even chase the big guys around!!

 

[TheNewMrsEvans]

I would at least wait to mingle them until the newbies are really eating and more stable on their feet...I wait 1 week to put little babies in with started babies...

 

[happyhensny]

Thank you Ewesheep, Bosshog & MrsEvans. I currently have the 8 and I am ordering 25 silkies. I will put a divider in the brooder (hardward cloth) and see what happens when they see each other. Hopefully they will get along. I keep them in my living room so I would rather not need TWO brooders. My DH isn't into animals, he just patronizes me!

So, low profile ya know. He does realize that I am going to need a bigger coop. He built the last one and will probably build this one if I can't find a built or ready to build shed kit cheap or free.

 

[wings]

I read in Storrey's Guide To Raising Chickens that you can keep chicks together as long as they are within three weeks in terms of age. I also know that the more young ones you have, the less they will be picked on by the older ones.

Everyone else's advice seems good, and I haven't experienced this myself, so I'm just giving the other side of the argument.

 

[Darin115]

I seperated the brooder with a piece of plexiglass. The older chicks (2 week old barred rocks) could look over and see the young chicks. (Day old). I kept them apart for about a week. Both sides kept trying to get to the other side. So I took at the plexiglass. No problems to speak of so far.

I now have eggs in the bator that are due on the 16th. I will have to put them in another brooder.


Darin

 

[happyhensny]

Thanks! I will post what happens after I get them. CAN'T WAIT!!

 

[crzychicken]

I think I read on here baby chicks can have oatmeal also I'm sure someone on BYC can tell you if they can.

 

[bossdog004]

Here is a picture of my 3 week old Barred Rocks and my 4 day old EE and RIR.