Help with varying ages chicks

[Chickenshht]

I just went and got some 2 week olds - I’m wondering if my week olds that I hatched and the 2 something week olds are ok in the same brooder should a wait a week till the week olds are a bit more sturdy?

 

[rosemarythyme]

You can try putting them together but keep an eye on behavior for any bullying from the older chicks.

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I wouldn't. I've heard that you should never put different aged chicks together.
The older ones can hurt (or even kill) the younger ones badly!

If your not gonna be with the chicks a LOT (you probably have other things to do) then your taking a risk.... but - to each his own. Just sayin'.

 

[Chickenshht]

I have two brooders setup so we’re ok I’ll give them more time

 

[HillbillyJessica]

I recently mixed chicks that were a few days old with chicks that were almost 2 weeks old. They are doing absolutely great with each other. I honestly had more of an issue with the babies pecking on the older ones out of curiosity, haha. But they got over it within an hour or so. It honestly comes down to each chicks' personality.
I kinda think it's easier to introduce to them to each other as young chicks, as long as you keep an eye on them initially to make sure there isn't anything besides curious pecks.

 

[HillbillyJessica]

Also, if bullying happens you can separate chicks in the same brooder with wire. It helps introduce them to each other more gradually. I've done this before and the older chicks ended up flying over the barricade to be with the younger ones! I didn't have any more issues with bullying after that

 

[Chickenshht]

Also, if bullying happens you can separate chicks in the same brooder with wire. It helps introduce them to each other more gradually. I've done this before and the older chicks ended up flying over the barricade to be with the younger ones! I didn't have any more issues with bullying after that

I have a huge brooder ! I could totally build a screen separator amazing idea !!!

 

[ohayitscpa]

We bought 5 chicks on the same day from two different feed stores. The 2 RIRs we got were visibly older than the other 3 we got, by at least a week, and they have all been fine together. The feed store recommended no more than a 2 week age difference between chicks.

 

[Chickenshht]

The solution! We had built this large brooder (4’x4’x2’) in anticipation of having upwards of 30 chicks from our hatch - so we now have our 7 that hatched and our 3 week olds in the same brooder with a divider - they can see each other but not interact separate food and water and heat. Seems good so far!!

 

[HillbillyJessica]

The solution! We had built this large brooder (4’x4’x2’) in anticipation of having upwards of 30 chicks from our hatch - so we now have our 7 that hatched and our 3 week olds in the same brooder with a divider - they can see each other but not interact separate food and water and heat. Seems good so far!!View attachment 2099762View attachment 2099763

Looks great! I love the set up!