Is it safe? Chick age difference...

[MissD'uccle]

I have a chick that hatched 3 1/2 weeks ago and she has been kept company by three adult button quail until now....

I just hatched out a handfull of new chicks and was wondering if it was safe to place the new chicks with the 3 1/2 week old. The brooder is very large and gives enough area for the temperature to be warm enough for the new chicks but areas are cool enough for the larger chick to be comfortable as well.

Any thoughts?

 

[popcornpuppy]

I would not put them to gether right now. The new borns are so small that they could be seriously hurt by the older chick, even if the older chick is just being courious.I would give them at least a couple of weeks before introducing them to give the little guys a chance to grow enough to be able to protect themselves.

 

[jeslewmazer]

I put my 5week old Speckled Sussex roo with 2day old EEs and with it being the only older chick I have had no pecking because the older chick is the boss.

No pecking order needed.

 

[jeslewmazer]

Watch and see I would think.
I have always heard that red lights decrease pecking. Don't know for sure.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Can you put them where they can see each other but not peck? And see how it goes?

 

[silkydragon]

ive got my 69day old silkys in with my year old hens/roos and no problems in the past 3weeks they cuddle up under the roosters and 1 of my silkys roost and forces 1 of my hens off the roost trying to cuddle (still dont know how the lil fluff ball gets up ther) then he gets under 1 of my roosters wings and sleeps there