Just wanted to give tips of combining slightly older chicks, with newly hatched chicks. I have done this successfully in the past, and thought I would share my experience.
Above is my most recent example. The little yellow chick (Daisy)to the left, under the red one is almost 2 weeks behind the others. When she hatched, I waited until she was fluffed and dry and scooting about. Then I took her and put her in her own brooder. I had a separate brooder with the 2 week old chicks and chose 2 that were the calmest. I had her in with them for 3 days and when she was running and hopping and eating, I combined brooders. She had learned not to be afraid, and the other chicks accepted her right away.
Below is a newly hatched chick raised with 3 week olds, now I did this differently...
The new hatched chick above with a 3 week old. I introduced 3 older chicks with the new chick, I put them together in the dark one at a time. They snuggled and talked to each other, then all became friends, after a day or so.
When introducing, be sure there is always good supervision. Good luck blending!
Above is my most recent example. The little yellow chick (Daisy)to the left, under the red one is almost 2 weeks behind the others. When she hatched, I waited until she was fluffed and dry and scooting about. Then I took her and put her in her own brooder. I had a separate brooder with the 2 week old chicks and chose 2 that were the calmest. I had her in with them for 3 days and when she was running and hopping and eating, I combined brooders. She had learned not to be afraid, and the other chicks accepted her right away.
Below is a newly hatched chick raised with 3 week olds, now I did this differently...
When introducing, be sure there is always good supervision. Good luck blending!
