Mixing chicks

[Chic Rustler]

Do chicks need to be separated based on age? I have 9 two week old chicks and 7 day old chicks. Can they share the same brooder or will something bad hapoen?

 

[Chicken Bff]

No they should be ok.

 

[LucyBO16]

Fully grown chickens will peck smaller chickens to death. I would separate them. I hope this helps.

 

[Chicken Bff]

There not fully grown though she/he said they were only 2 weeks

 

[Chic Rustler]

Its he. Names James btw. Howdy!

 

[Chicken Bff]

Ive added a few chicks with older chicks and it worked for me

 

[TattooedChicks]

I think with observation they should be ok as long as the older chicks aren't harassing and running over the younger ones to death and everyone is getting access to enough food and water. The age gap isn't as big in my chicks (Monday's hatch vs Thursday that same week), but my younger chicks definitely follow the lead and watch the big guys do everything first.

My only concerns would be temperature, as the day olds may need to be warmer than the more feathered out birds, and maybe any behavioral issues that might come up if they are separated later as the 2-week olds move out of the brooder and the day olds stay behind when the time comes. They may have to be reintroduced to each other but that's not the end of the world.

 

[LucyBO16]

I know, my point is that bigger, older chickens will pick on smaller, younger chickens.

 

[Chic Rustler]

Got a little mixed up hodge podge. We will see how it goes. So far they are playing nice

 

[Egghead_Jr]

They can smother them is the issue I've come across. We brood mixed age together but keep the newly hatched divided via a gate or cardboard for a few days until they are stable on feet and active then take the divider out.