Mixing chicks??

[lil'chickies]

Ok. I know this has probably already been asked. Is it safe to mix week old chicks with day old ones?

 

[sugarbush]

It is safe for you As far as the chicks go it depends on the chicks, if the day olds are bantams and the week olds are broilers, than the answer is no... If they are both the same size/type than a week is not too much of a head start that you would worry too much about injury from trampling.

 

[hooksetz]

I do, but you have to watch them at first, sometimes they'll single one out , and if that happens they'll need to be seperated. I wouldn't go with anymore size difference than that though.

 

[hooksetz]

Trampling shouldn't be an issue if you've the right atmosphere. I can hold 100 chicks in my brooder and I've never had trampling issues. As long as you have steady even heat and an area they can get away it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[lil'chickies]

They are the same breed, so I will try it and just keep an eye on them. I noticed that the first ones would pick on my rare chick. He looks so different from all the others. We believe he is a White Crested Black Polish. Compared to RIRs and BOs, he really sticks out! I'll watch the new ones.

 

[Butterball]

I would agree with sugarbush, however it would probably be best to wait even one more day if you had the opportunity to "get their bearings". I guess what I mean is...sometimes (even if they are all fluffly in the inc.) the new guys are still...new. If they are from a hatchery, I would mix them right away. But really, in the end, unless someone is being singled out, they should be fine together.

 

[hooksetz]

Just keep an eye on them they should be fine, but if they start to single out the oddball he'll probably need to be moved.

 

[lil'chickies]

They don't mess with him now. He's too fast for them and can hold his own. Thanks for the advice.