Introducing chicks to other chicks

[aart]

Thanks all for your input!! Here's a little update: Today I went to the feed store and picked up 2 Barred Rock chicks to add to my little flock consisting of 5 Rhode island Red chicks. They all came from the same feed store and are no more or less than a week apart in age. So far so good!! If there was going to be conflict would it happen immediately or can it take a little time? Also, in comparing my new 2-3 day old chicks to my week old chicks, the new babies seem very unstable in comparison. Is this normal or should I be converned about the new babies?

Make sure they are drinking, maybe add some vitamins or chick saver or sugar.

I've had added chicks ok the first few days then rebel, but they were a bit older than you crew.

 

[YULickenthat]

New babies can take a bit of time to get their bearings when faster chicks are around, but if no bullying is going on now then I'd say it should be smooth sailing. If by unstable you mean they seem slower and a bit more timid, that is OK. If you mean they are falling over that isn't good. Congrats on your babies!

Thanks!! I am excited! Yes, they are a little slower, but otherwise running amuck. The littlest one (still about the size of an egg, so maybe 1-2 days old?) is the one I was concerned about. She would do that leg stretch thing, where she extends it backwards and points her toes as far as they would go and she loses her balance a bit. She seems to catch herself each time she does this, and I saw her run pretty well a bit ago.

 

[YULickenthat]

Make sure they are drinking, maybe add some vitamins or chick saver or sugar.

I've had added chicks ok the first few days then rebel, but they were a bit older than you crew.

Thanks! I will keep a closer eye out for drinking and look into the vitamins.