Integrating a single new chick, help

[Raeleefamily]

Hi, I'm not sure if you are still answering questions on this page but here it goes. I successfully hatched 3 of 7 eggs in an automatic incubator a little over 2 weeks ago. I put 7 more in and only one is growing this time. It currently has 9 days to go. Will it be okay to put the new chick in with the other three when it hatches? I'm worried that the older ones won't accept it. Thanks

 

[azygous]

Yes, in fact it's best to keep all the chicks together. It gets touchy if the age spread is greter than a couple weeks though.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

They will have different temperature requirement with 3 week age difference between them, if I did my math right.

When I added a new chick 2 new chicks (same age) to 3 two week old's that were established in the brooder already, it wasn't pretty. So I added 3 more, switched to a red light, and moved thing around in there. Peace ensued. Next brood gets "mamma heating pad".

The way they pile on top of each other I would worry about the little one getting trampled, if not bullied.

I have read that if you add them when they are sleeping it is smoother.

So I think it kind of depends on your set up and your individual chicks. We have 1 named Atilla for a reason.

Unless you have a good plan for integration in the future, I would refrain from staggered hatches like that. Seems like it would be less stressful for both you and the chicks. JMO

Good luck with your last 1!

 

[3 chicks farm]

I had my separated in the brooder by wire mesh for a couple of days. The look but can't touch approach. Couple of days later put them together no problems. I use same method when introducing to main flock

 

[Raeleefamily]

Thanks everyone, the integration went smoothly.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

So cute!