I will be having two batches of chicks 13 days apart - when to integrate?

[Kelly G]

Ok, so I have English Crele Orpington eggs arriving on Oct. 1st.

And I ordered 8 chicks from MPC that will arrive on October 8th.

I wish the timing of arrival/hatching were closer together, but it's challenging in fall to find the breeds/availability that you want.

So...how long should I keep the two batches of chicks side-by-side (I'm dividing the brooding area in half).

Thanks for any input

 

[DobieLover]

I would let the younger ones in with the older ones at around 10 days old. Just make sure the broody is very large and the there are lots of perches for them along with something to scratch around in. I like to put clumps of sod from their future run/pen (grass, pebbles, critters and all) and let them rip it apart then after the normal cleaning of the brooder, give them a fresh one.

 

[Kelly G]

I would let the younger ones in with the older ones at around 10 days old. Just make sure the broody is very large and the there are lots of perches for them along with something to scratch around in. I like to put clumps of sod from their future run/pen (grass, pebbles, critters and all) and let them rip it apart then after the normal cleaning of the brooder, give them a fresh one.

Excellent! Thank you!

And sod is an excellent idea for distraction! I will do exactly that!