Greetings from Near Knoxville...

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MomMomKimmi

MomMomKimmi

Hatching
Mar 1, 2015
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Hi, I'm Kim from TN. I have a Small flock (so far) of Australorps, 1 Roo & 3 hens. However, My husband built a HUGE brooder for 3 (supposed) Barred Rock Pullets (but you know how it is at the Co-op re: sexing). Since this Giant MONSTER of a Brooder is occupying my Coffee table in the living room, it seems a shame not to add more, don't you think?

Would it be ok to mix chicks that were just a few days old with some that are a little over 3 weeks old? Should I try to find older chicks instead? How and when should I introduce them to my 1yr old flock?
 
3 week old chicks might pick on day old chicks.
Can you partition off the brooder?
I introduce to grown chickens at between 8 and 12 weeks depending on the chickens and I let them be visible but separate for a couple of weeks first.




And Welcome!
 
Last edited:
welcome-byc.gif
Glad you have joined us.

IMO I would not mix the babies with 3 week olds. You can use the same brooder and separate them by age.

Here's a link to an article on integrating new chickens to an established flock:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/adding-to-your-flock

Most recommend the look, don't touch method to get them to know each other before allowing them to congregate. You really do need to wait until they are older.

I would suggest posting the question under Managing Your Flock and likely you will get experienced specific suggestions.

I cannot imagine a brooder on your coffee table…lol… but is better entertainment then tv.

Good luck with your new chicks.
 
Hi :welcome Kim

Glad you could join the flock! I too agree with the above posters. Usually you can add smaller chicks to older chicks upto about 2 weeks of age after that the chicks have usually established there own pecking order in the brooder. Adding small day olds for example would be too much of a risk with the three weeks old.

The link sunflour has left for you is a great read with lots of usefull pointers. I've found the look and touch a good method. When you do introduce them when they are fully grown add extra feed and water stations so no one is bullied out. Also do it under supervision just incase the pecking order scuffles become too much.

Wishing you the very best of luck and hope you enjoy BYC :frow
 
Welcome to BYC.
welcome-byc.gif
I'm glad you joined our community!

I would not introduce one day old chicks in with 3 week olds. The older chicks will likely pick on the younger ones, or trample them. I would try to find slightly older chicks if possible.

Sunflour has given you some good information on introducing younger birds into an established flock.
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Good luck with your chicks!
 

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