Isolate?

[mamaj323]

We have 13 chicks that are two weeks old. A local breeder had some hatch on the same day. We are considering getting a few from her and wondered if we should isolate them or put them in with the others. I know when you bring in a new adult chicken home that you do but wasn't sure on babies so young.

 

[Fierlin1182]

You can try putting them in straight away. I've heard that a lot of the bullying happens because of size difference - if the new chicks are about the same size, try and see how you go!

Of course if they start getting attacked, take them out and separate them for a while.

 

[Gelo75]

I agree. The smaller chicks arent supposed to be too small, so they should fit in.

 

[mamaj323]

Any worry about disease at this age? The ones we are considering went from incubator to brooder.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Any worry about disease at this age? The ones we are considering went from incubator to brooder.

There is always a worry about diseases or bio-security when keeping chickens. No chicken is too young to isolate because young chickens can drop dead in what seems like a heart beat from any number of maladies. It is then forever more to late to isolate them or to get your uncontaminated facilities back.

 

[mamaj323]

So we've decided to get the new girls. Just wondering if a seperate brooder in the same room is enough isolation or if we need to come up with a whole new area for them?

 

[mamaj323]

Also, how long should they be seperate?

 

[Gelo75]

They just have to be in a different brooder, but they can be in the same room. If you isolate them, you might also consider having them isolated through something see through, so the other chicks got used to them just being there.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Also, how long should they be seperate?

Most of the suggestions I've heard are one or two weeks. And yes, they should ideally be able to see each other and get used to the others' presence.

 

[mamaj323]

Thanks everyone!