Introducing new chicks or pullets?

[Faithfulground]

I recently got my first batch of chicks in my brooder. They are currently 2 1/2 weeks old. Just found out my neighbor has same age chicks of different breeds in his brooder. We are thinking of trading a few chicks for variety. My question is would they be easier to introduce new chicks to the brooder now or wait until they are pullets and in the coop?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Now would be much easier since both groups are young and the same age.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Now would be much easier since both groups are young and the same age.

x2. Early as possible would be best, as younger chicks will generally accept newcomers with no fuss, provided you trust that there's little to no biosecurity risk from the neighbor.

 

[Back40chick]

Two hens hatched out six chicks. They got off their nests. When my daughter was about to throw away unhatched eggs one chirped. They helped it get out. It is a day old now. Let's see if it will survive. The mamas won't accept it, so it is being kept in a brooder