How do you introduce new chicks to other chicks???

[ragerkid2]

I will be introducing chicks that are now 3 weeks apart. Do you guys think I should intodice them in the coop that we built or in the brooders? I have light brahmas which are the older chicks and red sex links which are the younger chicks.
Thanks for your Help!!!
-Brandon

 

[galanie]

It's pretty risky to mix chicks with a 3 week age difference but not impossible. Have them separated by wire so they can see each other but not mingle for a few weeks. Then let them out together and watch to see what happens.

 

[Katydid2011]

Hi Brandon, I would be careful about making the introduction. There's always risk in introducing chicks and hens, even when they're of similar age and size. When there's a size and age difference, it becomes more dangerous. I like what galanie said about putting them in the coop together but sectioned off into two areas where they can see each other and interact but not cause harm. I would do that for several weeks, then merge them at night by placing them on perches while they're asleep. That way they'll be focused on eating and starting the day and might forget that the other chicks weren't actually in with them before. It really does help.

It also helps to introduce them into a coop that's new to both sets, so that one group doesn't have a chance to become territorial.

By the way, how old are your chicks?

 

[ragerkid2]

Right now they are about a week and a half and 3 and a half weeks. I will be taking them to the coop when yet are about 5 weeks in age. Or should I take them all at once and just provide heat for the little ones.... ? It is a new coop and there are no other chickens on my property (it's my first time raising chickens.)

 

[Katydid2011]

Quote:
I would definitely take them out together but keep them separated so they can see one another and interact without harm. Then, after a few weeks time, blend them at night by setting them on a perch together after dark. (If you bring the older chicks out first, they'll establish the coop as their territory, making it harder for the little ones to successfully join them later). And, yes, the little ones will definitely need heat.

Keeping them separated inside the coop for a few weeks time may seem like a pain but it's well worth it. The older chicks could easily peck the little ones to death. The slower you go, the safer they'll be. Watch them carefully!

I'm nervous about them going out that young but I tend to be conservative. Best of luck to you!

 

[ragerkid2]

is there any harm that could be done to them going out that early? Ovcource they wouldnt be free ranging or in a run. I dont plan on doing that until they are in the coop for a couple of weeks. The avg temps are 60-70 during the day and 40-50 and night. Western Pa.

 

[Katydid2011]

Quote:
I'm interested to hear what others think. I think you should be alright, as long as you provide heat for the younger ones and enough room to move away from it if they get too hot. That being said, I'm concerned about the variation in temperature at this time of year. If your heat lamp failed for whatever reason, it wouldn't be good.

 

[ragerkid2]

true. Well i would check on them in constantly and If somthing were to happen they would come inside right away. The coop is insulated. Plus remember chicks go on a two day journey without heat and they are featherles little babies

 

[cackydoodledoo]

Quote:
I'm interested to hear what others think. I think you should be alright, as long as you provide heat for the younger ones and enough room to move away from it if they get too hot. That being said, I'm concerned about the variation in temperature at this time of year. If your heat lamp failed for whatever reason, it wouldn't be good.

I put mine at about 4-5 weeks with a light in the corner for them. I think if it doesn't get any colder than that and they are pretty well feathered you should be ok. Put a light out there and if for some chance it does burn out they will huddle to stay warm!!