Caring for older chicks

[MollyKi]

I'll be getting chicks soon and I'm told they should be put into the coop until they are 6 weeks old or so. Should I separate them as they grow, or can they all stay in the same tub until they go to the coop?

 

[guardrail]

I would keep them together as long as you have enough room. How many are you getting? What size brooder do you have?

 

[MollyKi]

I'm getting about 15. I'll be putting them in a large plastic tote. How will I know if they're crowded?

 

[guardrail]

You definitely have enough room for the first 3-4 weeks. They grow pretty fast. If they seem happy and are not pecking at one another you should be fine. I didn't check to see where you live. If you are In a warmer climate you may be able to move them to a coop with a light after that. If not you may need a couple totes until they get fully feathered at week 8.

 

[MollyKi]

Thank you!