Keeping different age chicks together

[bossdog004]

I have some 2 week old barred rock chicks and the feed store just got in some new chicks that I want.

Is it safe to keep these guys together in a brooder?

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I ususally keep the news one seperate for a week or so and then merge them together. But if they are two far apart in age, you really need to watch them.

I have 1 lone chick (Babe) that hatched about a month ago. She has been hand raised by my boys. Last week, we hatched out some new chicks. When we put them with Babe, first she had no idea what to do with them and ran to the other side of the brooder. But 1 hour later, they were all trying to get under her and on her.

She is a very good serogate (spelling) mom for only being 1 month old.

 

[Rufflemyfeathers]

Iwill be having the same problem with my BA but will do like bossdog004 said...when I had my RIW I had a Royal Palm turkey hatch rest didn't make it and she is 1 week younger than the RIW but I merged them after a week and she is still with the whites..she thinks shes a chicken..except they are staying white and she is black on her white.. when she gets biger will merger witht he two old Royal Palms that are about 5 months now..but she is still to young to put with them. good luck.. Isn't this just fun all these decisions we have to make..I can't believe how attacked to chickens I have become...

 

[Butterball]

I would have to agree. It has been my experience that they will be fine mixed even up to 3 weeks age difference, however, they do need to be separate until the youngest are a week old.

 

[bossdog004]

Why wait until the youngest are a week old?