Chicks 2 weeks apart

[missmychicks]

I will be getting 3 chicks this week (2 EEs and a Barnevelder), but there is a Poultry swap in about 2 weeks and if there is a sapphire gem or a lavender Orp I really want to get one). I've read previous posts, but still not clear about introducing a new one to the three--will 2 weeks make much difference?

 

[azygous]

No, the age difference is not an issue as long as chicks are less than four weeks old. However, you might want to give careful thought to the risk you will take going to a poultry swap where there is no bio-security and you have no idea if the chicks you will buy there are carrying an avian disease that could introduce tragic consequences into your new little flock. Many avian diseases may be present in the chickens yet no symptoms are apparent right away.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have to second what @azygous said. Bringing in swap meet birds is risky

 

[missmychicks]

No, the age difference is not an issue as long as chicks are less than four weeks old. However, you might want to give careful thought to the risk you will take going to a poultry swap where there is no bio-security and you have no idea if the chicks you will buy there are carrying an avian disease that could introduce tragic consequences into your new little flock. Many avian diseases may be present in the chickens yet no symptoms are apparent right away.

Very good point. Thank you.