can i put chicks that are 3 weeks apart together?

[Marine0351]

i got chicks from a friend but did not get the number or breeds that i wanted so i ordered off of Murry MacMurry and the chicks will be about 3 weeks apart when i get the others in....is it ok to put them together or should i set up a second brooder?

 

[FreeRangeSpirit]

I did it and it turned out alright. But i may have just been lucky. I would say try it but watch them and if they seem to be having trouble separate them.

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Really all you can do is try but even if they act alright for a little while something could still happen, don't just assume after 15 minutes of good behavior that all is well. Is there a way you could separate them in the same brooder. I mean still allow them to see each other without physically being able to get each other.

But I would try and get them together as quickly as possible, I don't think 3wks is that big of a deal, it's certainly better than 3 months lol. I haven't had to introduce birds to each other but from the posts I've seen on this site it can be stressful!

Try entering a keyword into the search bar near the top of the page, you might find some great advice

 

[drumstick diva]

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Marine0351, and

! Great to have you aboard! I agree with the above - at that young age you can probably pull it off - but keep an eye on them! Good luck to you!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC! Just keep an eye on the older chicks make sure they aren't bullying the youngsters.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[angel8035]

You will be surprised how big of a difference three weeks makes. I thought I could do this with chicks two weeks apart, but when the second batch arrived the size difference was alarming and the small ones were too delicate and I was afraid they would get trampled. I thought I'd wait a few weeks till the little ones were stronger, but it has now been four weeks and I am still too scared by the size difference to put them together. I have the older chicks down in the coop in an enclosure and the younger chicks in the brooder still. I think I will wait a few more weeks and then put them all in with the big hens together so that there will be three different groups and really screw up the pecking order so not just one group is getting picked on.

That's just my idea - see how it works for you.

 

[Marine0351]

thanks for all the advice and welcomes....i have a second brooder already made but didn't want the hassle of tending a coup and 2 separate brooders. i will try putting them together and see how that goes. if it doesn't work out i'll just move the smaller ones to the other brooder. thanks again.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!