Chick age difference and leaving the brooder

[califarmgirl]

Hi! I've been a new chicken owner for several weeks and my google searches for chicken questions always leads me to backyard chickens. I have 3 two week old black star chicks, 1 two week old Mille fleurs bantam Cochin and 2 five week old rowdy Easter eggers. I'm amazed at how much I care and worry about these chickens! The Easter eggers are in a separate brooder from the little ones. My question is whether or not I should wait to put the Easter eggers out into the coop so they all go out at once. Or should I put them out now and introduce the others several weeks later. The easter eggers are so much larger than the others. Any suggestions?

 

[drumstick diva]

That's a tough question. If they were all raised in the same brooder I think I would wait till the youngest were fully feather to go out - and then have them all move out at once.

The fact that the chicks in various brooders don't know each may complicate things - even if they were the same size,.- as far as bullying and pecking go.

 

[redsoxs]

Personally, I think they are all young enough and close enough in age that they can be introduced together. Monitor closely that the youngest/smallest ones aren't being picked on. Good luck!

 

[califarmgirl]

Thanks for the input. The bantam Cochin is a runt and half the size of the black stars that are the same age. I'll see how ready she is in a few weeks before I transfer them out to the coop.

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad to have you aboard!!

 

[califarmgirl]

Thank you so much! Lots of great people and info here!