How many ages can I keep together?

[SarahIrl]

I have a purpose built shed 6 foot by 6 foot for my impending arrivals (due next week to hatch), can I put in new eggs straight away and transfer the chicks in again when they hatch? Is three weeks too much difference in age for the same coop? I can hang two heat lamps, and keep little chicks away from the bigger ones but want to avoid that if possible. I plan to let the chicks have the run of the shed by two weeks old anyway. So, they'll be five weeks and two weeks. The brooder I have is only three and a half feet by one and a half. And at what age can I let them outside for a couple of hours when it's dry and warm?

 

[SarahIrl]

bump

 

[arabianequine]

Quote:
I put mine out a four weeks so I think pretty much they can stay out when all their feathers are in which is about four weeks.

I don't think I would mix them at those ages....I have seen at the feed store the chicks looked the same age and having a feast of the blood on each others back pecking away....they needed to do something about it....but just imagine the damage that could happen in the difference of three weeks.