Integrating ages and breeds 🐣

[aquabrwn]

Hi all! I’ve read a number of posts on similar topics so I have some context about “best practices” with chick intros. I’m curious to hear from more experienced folks about my specific situation.

Currently have 6 3- or 4-week old Buff Orpingtons. Friday I pick up 6 RIRs and then on April 27th 6 Barred Rocks. The age spread isn’t ideal but we really are excited for different breeds! We’ll also be rehoming a few of each once we’re sure they’re healthy, our goal is to end up with around 10 chickens.

Since there’s about a 3 week age difference between the groups… wondering when I should intro each “batch” to each other? I’ve considered keeping them separate until they go outside at 6ish weeks. Is there any upside to earlier intros?

Thanks in advance! Y’all are an amazing source of info

 

[azygous]

There is always a huge upside to any early intro when it comes to chickens. They check each other out every bit as much as we humans check each other out as a step toward becoming acquainted.

Merging two age groups of baby chicks works well up to age four weeks. I believe it would be a bit too much of a size spread with day-olds and four week-olds. But you can realize a benefit by brooding them side-by-side so they can watch one another. This is also a better method since the two age groups will have drastically different heat needs.

 

[aquabrwn]

Thank you! This is helpful. I’m planning to have them in brooders next to each other so they can scope each other out - and then will plan to do a playpen-type intro when the younger ones are big enough to hold their own.