Can you mix chicks?

[MomFoldingLaundry]

Hey guys, has anyone ever tried mixing 2 batches of chicks together? Like 3 day old chicks with others that are a week and a half old?

Would the older ones attack the new ones?

 

[MissMonty]

I don't think they'll attack each other but the older chicks may trample the new ones and hurt/kill them

 

[ChloeSilkie08]

The older ones could peck the younger ones to establish dominance. I would keep an eye on them for sure but after a little bit they should be fine.

 

[cmom]

I would agree that the older ones could injure the younger ones but you can try and see how it goes. Good luck and have fun...

 

[Nabiki]

I put batches of chicks together, but I haven't done any that are more than 4 days apart in age.

 

[Aapomp831]

This year I added 6 Longhorns that were 5 days old in with 4 two week old Rhode Island Reds... they were fine.

 

[hmm]

These are quail chicks though, much more fragile and faster growing than chickens.

 

[FloorCandy]

I added 6 leftovers to a new hatch of chicks that were a week younger, all was fine. I waited until the last hatched was in the brooder for at least 24 hours before I added the giants lol. By 24 hours in the brooder they can run and avoid, they all know where food and water comes from etc.

I added my single chick solo to my indoor adults with special needs because I needed his brooder for chicks. He was 3.5 weeks and the others adults, I actually had to remove little solo because after 3 days he started trying to peck the albinos red eyes. It all depends on if you get a jerk or two, but I think overall chicks get along fine.

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

I have added chicks of mixed age into one brooder - I think the widest gap was 10 days difference? I had to make a dedicated space for the littlies until they found their feet, then they co-mingled just fine!

 

[Aapomp831]

These are quail chicks though, much more fragile and faster growing than chickens.

Oh I’m sorry I didn’t realize that