How do you guys integrate all the chicks you hatch every three weeks?

[Kelly G]

My first batch of chicks will be two weeks old tomorrow...second batch due to hatch next weekend....and a third batch to hatch the following week.

How do you guys keep all of yours together?? Are you going through the entire "integration" process with each batch of chicks?

Just wonderin'

 

[RareBreedFancier]

Hey! I'm in that situation too!

I have six 2wo chicks, 2 dozen eggs due in 2 weeks and 2 dozen set today.

I can't help but I'll be watching the replies with interest.

 

[gumbii]

i've seen people mix them up before, but i would separate them once they're 5 weeks apart... like, i wouldn't put any 5 week olds with newly hatched chicks... maybe 4 weeks old with newborns..



sigh...


gonna need another brooder soon... i ♥ chicken math...

 

[HHandbasket]

As will I! We are doing our first hatch now (11 eggs in the bator, 5 pips and zips/partial hatches, 1 more rocking around, 5 not doing anything but today is only day 21 so I'm not toooooooo worried yet). We're setting another batch on the 20th and another on April 2nd. As far as I know, that'll probably be all the groups we hatch out this year unless we get a deal we just can't afford to pass up on some wonderful hatching eggs of the breeds we want.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

in my limited experience integrating, I think 3-4 week difference is about the most you can integrate together. Actually, if they are newly hatched, I'd keep that difference to a week or so and then combine hatches at the 2-3 week mark. They grow sooo much the first couple weeks!
One thing i learned last year: You cannot tell the age difference by size after about 8 weeks, so if you need to know, mark them ASAP after hatching! I had 2 hatches of black orps a month apart, and there is no way I have been able to tell the difference all winter!
I am really hoping to hatch one batch and then incubate the second asap afterward to make integration easier.
Of course, I am certain a broody will mess up this plan!