Integrating chicks

[allieloveschickens]

I have three three week old BR chicks, but I wanted to get a couple new chicks, possibly wyandottes or silkies- the new chicks would be a couple weeks younger though if I get them from the breeder I found, will they get along alright? I am worried my BRs will pick on the new babies.

 

[midget_farms]

Welcome - & you are right to be concerned. The older chicks will pick on the newer ones - Depending on the size of your brooder it may or may not be a problem.

Start with a second brooder & have them side by side so they can see & hear each other. You can also slowly mix the older birds into the younger ones. This will have the older birds feel less like they are defending their home & less likely to pick on the little ones.

You could also divide off the existing brooder so they can't get to each other & do the same integration trick.

Good luck

 

[allieloveschickens]

Thanks for the welcome, and the advice! I will try two brooders next to each other and slowly integrate them.