Might buy 3 week old EE's anything I should know before going in?

[PoPo76]

Someone local is selling 3 week old easter eggers. I have 2 adult hens already. Is there anything I should be concerned about before buying them?

How much special care is needed for 3 week old chickens?

Do I have to keep them separate from the adults?

Keep them under lights?

Or maybe wait until they are a little bit older?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quarantine is always best when bringing in birds from another source.
http://www.depi.vic.gov.au/agricult...ry/quarantine-advice-for-small-poultry-flocks
They probably still need a little heat, not necessarily light. I use ceramic heat emitters so they can have a dark period each day.
Rule of thumb is that by 3 weeks they need a spot that's about 80F. Judge that by their behavior. If they crowd together during the day, they're cold.

 

[Percheron chick]

If they let you pick the chicks, pay attention to color. The splashier ones tend to be males.

 

[bbhorsefly]

The only "special" treatment they should need is just supervised introduction to your hens. I have my babies (3week old ee and 2 week old ops mixed together) separated from my 8 week old ee's by a wire dog "play yard" in the coop and run. They see, hear, and smell each other. The older ones can be found sitting along the wire watching the babies like pay-per-view. There is just such a disparity in size, that I know it wouldn't take much for one of the older to hurt one of the babies. I've read that mother hens pretty much abandon their babies to the flock at 4 weeks. So when my youngest get that age, I'm going to start letting them all in together. But, who knows, maybe your hens will think those littles are the greatest thing since sliced bread and accept them without incident! I just know my cockrels, if given the chance, will jump in with the babies to hog their food. The bigs don't much like being outnumbered by the littles. I've seen a big peck a little once or twice. The pecked baby runs, and two or three of his friends run at the big in protest as if to say "pick on someone you're own size!" Haha

 

[bbhorsefly]

If they let you pick the chicks, pay attention to color. The splashier ones tend to be males.

I had not heard this! Interesting. I just tried to get 5 of the most different colored so I could tell them apart. I think the two flashier ones that drew my eye first DID turn out to be my cockerels! If they have one, I'd try and get a yellow/white baby again. I've always thought they (white chickens) were so "boring" but that little yellow ball of fluff has turned into the most beautiful crisp white soft pullet with the beard and muffs just making her look downright regal.

 

[PoPo76]

Thanks! I'm hoping my hens will get along. I don't think there would be much of an issue though. They get along with the dogs very well hopefully it will be the same with other chicks.