Introducing Chicks at Different Ages

[BallsEleven]

So I’m guessing the chicks I have currently are 5 weeks (a surprise batch from my sisters flock). They are Rhode Island Red/white leghorn mix.

Half ended up being male so I want to add a couple more since I want a couple more egg layers.

Question is, if I buy some chicks now how long do I need to wait until I introduce them to the currently 5 week old batch?

 

[rosemarythyme]

If you're buying from a reputable hatchery (or feed store, since that's their usual source) then I don't bother with quarantine and would start introducing them right away. Put a wire divider in the brooder/coop and let them see each other and acclimate to one another, and if things seem to be going well, take the divider away and watch what they do. Some pecking or squabbling is normal as long as no one gets injured or is prevented from feeding/drinking.

 

[BallsEleven]

If you're buying from a reputable hatchery (or feed store, since that's their usual source) then I don't bother with quarantine and would start introducing them right away. Put a wire divider in the brooder/coop and let them see each other and acclimate to one another, and if things seem to be going well, take the divider away and watch what they do. Some pecking or squabbling is normal as long as no one gets injured or is prevented from feeding/drinking.

It seems like a big size difference to put them together right away.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's not right away, the divider may need to be in place for weeks. I probably wouldn't actually let them interact until the younger ones were past 2 weeks, and even then they might need supervision or more than one introduction session before you can safely leave them alone. Best case scenario, they all like each other and no issues. Worst case, one of the older ones decides these are great targets for harassment.

 

[Justso]

I would wait until the youngest ones were fully feathered out to consider mixing the crowd. And then having them in a large enough area where they can escape each other. A brooder box just wouldn't do it, but keeping them together and divided as was suggested is a good idea when they're younger.
Once they're out together in an enclosed run, having things that block direct view like a pallet leaned up and a branch for climbing help the younger ones escape harassment. Also, multiple feed and water stations help.

 

[BallsEleven]

I would wait until the youngest ones were fully feathered out to consider mixing the crowd. And then having them in a large enough area where they can escape each other. A brooder box just wouldn't do it, but keeping them together and divided as was suggested is a good idea when they're younger.
Once they're out together in an enclosed run, having things that block direct view like a pallet leaned up and a branch for climbing help the younger ones escape harassment. Also, multiple feed and water stations help.

Gotcha. The older ones are are out in their coop/run. If I get more I would plan to keep them in a brooder in the house until ready to move outside. Pretty muchany interaction they would have the first 3-4 weeks would be them interacting between the run fence.