Help with chicks

[TheKochs]

We figured we have 2 one week old chicks, and 7 two week old chicks. When can the younger ones be put in with the older ones? Also I need a good idea of how to put the heat lamp on both sets of chicks for Monday if they can't be together. We keep the younger chicks in the upper part and block it off with board so the older chicks can't get up with them. The older ones are in the bottom. Also we don't know how to set the heat lamp up in the coop... I put the picture of the chicks and the coop. Please help me..

Above: Younger chicks looking through the window.

Above: Younger chicks

Above: Older chicks

above: Coop with out roof and nesting box.. before it was finished

 

[Percheron chick]

They can be together now. Not uncommon for the feedstore to add this weeks chicks to the ones left over from last week. It's only a problem when they are significantly different in size or 3+ weeks age difference.

I hope you have another coop in the works. That one's only big enough for 3-4 hens max.

 

[TheKochs]

Well... No we don't have another coop ready... We figured when they get big enough they will be out in the fenced area that surrounds the coop... we are going to put chicken wire around the out side and top of the cage to keep out unwanted guests.

 

[Percheron chick]

Hate to rain on your parade but I don't think anyone who has that coop is happy with it. It will work while they are little and all 9 will be fine. There is less than 1 sq ft per hen available. The run doesn't count. You should look for something more like 6x6 or larger for the coop and a 10x20 run. If it rains or snows where you are, chickens don't like to wander out in the weather. Chickens with too little room start having behavioral and health issues.

 

[TheKochs]

Okay, thanks for the warning... I'll have to see if we can come up with another coop... Thanks

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

There's no reason that they can't be put together now. I am constantly adding newly hatched chicks to my brooder with older chicks already in it.

 

[TheKochs]

I had been told that the older chicks might peck the babies to death...

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

I had been told that the older chicks might peck the babies to death...

I have never had this happen, but I guess it could be possible. I wouldn't put just one smaller/younger chick with a group of older chicks, but if you put a small group with an older group I don't think there will be any problems. Put them together and watch them for a while if you see any of them being pecked constantly, separate them.

 

[TheKochs]

Thank you... But I only have two small 'baby' chicks will they be okay... or would you suggest getting a couple more 'baby' chicks?

 

[Rocky Rhodes]

Thank you... But I only have two small 'baby' chicks will they be okay... or would you suggest getting a couple more 'baby' chicks?

I think they will be okay. Just watch them for a little while when you first put them together.