Combining chicks with different hatch dates

[slippednfell]

I have chicks with a hatch date of 7/31 and I am getting some more chicks with a hatch date of 8/14. My question is how far apart in age is a problem when combining them? Will I have to introduce the new chicks the same way I would have to introduce hens from different coops or because they are so young and not so far apart in age, just be able to put them all together in the same brooder?

 

[Erba]

My chicks hatched 7/26 the next hatch is due 8/23. Judging by the way the already hatched are growing, I'm thinking they will be too big for the newly hatched ones, even if they accept them, they might hurt them with their acrobatics. They are very lively already, so I will most likely have to separate them. Mine are Sussex though, your breed might be smaller and no problem to keep in the same brooder. Play it by ear but have another brooder ready if it doesn't work out.

 

[slippednfell]

My chicks hatched 7/26 the next hatch is due 8/23. Judging by the way the already hatched are growing, I'm thinking they will be too big for the newly hatched ones, even if they accept them, they might hurt them with their acrobatics. They are very lively already, so I will most likely have to separate them. Mine are Sussex though, your breed might be smaller and no problem to keep in the same brooder. Play it by ear but have another brooder ready if it doesn't work out.

I am hoping that since they are only two weeks difference in age, they won't have an issue. I have phoenix bantams and 6 standard Cochin currently. The rest will be a mix of bantam and standard but more bantam than standard.

I definitely will have another brooder ready, just in case. Great advice! Thank you.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If your brooder is large enough you can also consider dividing it, which would allow the chicks to at least grow up side by side while keeping the smaller ones safer.

 

[slippednfell]

If your brooder is large enough you can also consider dividing it, which would allow the chicks to at least grow up side by side while keeping the smaller ones safer.

Thanks, that is also a great idea. Still hoping that two weeks is close enough to just put them together.