Chicks from the same hatchery, can you incorporate them all at the same time?

[rustyangel]

Hello! This is my first post to backyard chickens! I'm also a first time chicken owner. We purchased chicks at two separate times from the same hatchery - is it ok to put them together without worry of disease? I currently have them separate because that is what is advised (plus our other birds are 2 weeks old and almost triple the size and the new little ones). But they did come from the same hatchery so logically, they would have the same "germs"? The hatches are 2 weeks apart.
thanks for any feedback!

 

[chicmom]

I think they'll be fine if you put them together. I often integrate chicks that are up to three weeks apart. Generally, you want to quarantine new chickens for at least two weeks, but with chicks from the same hatchery, I think you'll be just fine, especially if they're all looking healthy.

 

[rustyangel]

Thanks chicmom! That's what I thought, but wanted some confirmation from seasoned chicken keepers. I know that you def have to be careful when they are coming from different hatcheries. Everyone looks healthy and is getting big! That little chic below is only 2 weeks old and double in size of what our newest ones are!

 

[Fierlin1182]

Sounds like your chicks are doing well! Yep, you should have no problems with putting them together, it's commonly done. The little fella in the photo looks charming already.

 

[rustyangel]

Thanks Fierlin1182! I cannot believe how fast they grow! I'm going to wait to have to two breeds intermix to give the new babies a chance to get bigger. That way they can defend themselves if they get picked on.