Mixing Different Age Chicks in Brooder

[Eliaria]

I bought some young chicks a week ago, and then yesterday my dad ran across Australop chicks, the breed I wanted most to replace my recently lost hen (hawk got into the enclosed coop through the fence of all things!) I asked him to pick me up two, and to grab a Black Jersey Giant. I love testing out a new breed every once in a while. They were a bit bigger than what the older chicks were when I first got them, so it looks like they're less than a week apart in age. I put them in the larger brooder, and even though the younger ones were bounced around a bit, they settled down and all passed out for the night. There's 10 in all, and luckily there was no pecking. The older girls were a bit stingy with the food this morning, so I hand fed the older girls while the younger chicks got used to the feeder. Glad the Jersey got a bit brave and came over to my hand towards the end.

I've mixed new chicks with older chicks before, and sometimes it went well, sometimes they were nearly trampled. I think it's all a matter of age, how many there are and how much space there is, and when they are most rowdy. My chicks jump all over eachother when I feed them. I try to keep it full, but when I have to go to college, they mow down through it. They also take a while to get settled in for the night. Those are the only times I feel like I need to watch them for the first few days.

 

[katie1015]

Quick question. Right now I have all different aged chicks in my brooder and 3 of them are ready to go into the coop. If I separate them from the younger ones for a few weeks while the younger ones grow, will they be ok together again? After like 3 weeks. Or will they forget each other, and pick on one another.

 

[Arkieguy]

Well this is odd...I have 1.5 week Old barred rocks and just brought home 0 week old leghorns and decided to try them in the brooder together.

The younger leghorns are bullying the barred rocks!

 

[Neptune]

This was my question of the day. Looks like overall a hit and miss with adding new and diff ages. Crazy to think they would care with a week or two in age. Who knew!!

 

[kattington]

I tried this out last week. We picked up chicks at the feed store. Two were a week old, the other was 2 weeks, and we had two 3.5 week old chicks at home. The big chicks picked on them for about 10 minutes, then all was well. They all snuggle in with each other now. One of the young ones even follows the older ones around like they are her mamas.

 

[aciarametaro]

So I have 4 Buff Orpingtons that are 5 weeks old and I was wondering if I could put 4, 1 week old wyandottes in with the buffs. I feel bad the brooder is divided in half and the buffs look to big for their half.

 

[curious chickee]

So I have 4 Buff Orpingtons that are 5 weeks old and I was wondering if I could put 4, 1 week old wyandottes in with the buffs. I feel bad the brooder is divided in half and the buffs look to big for their half.

I wouldn't, the size difference is usually big at that age and the 5 week old so probably pick on the little ones and can cause damage. I usually only mix chicks that are under a month. After that they go into my coop with the rest. There is a hiding hole in the corner where these young chicks can escape the older ones.

 

[chiques chicks]

I tried this out last week.  We picked up chicks at the feed store.  Two were a week old, the other was 2 weeks, and we had two 3.5 week old chicks at home.  The big chicks picked on them for about 10 minutes, then all was well.  They all snuggle in with each other now.  One of the young ones even follows the older ones around like they are her mamas.

My brooder is on the cool side and the small ones actually snuggle under there older wings for warmth.

I try to not have more than a week difference, but sometimes I get away with it. Multiple feeders and waterers as well as warm and cool areas helps.

 

[curious chickee]

My brooder is on the cool side and the small ones actually snuggle under there older wings for warmth.

I try to not have more than a week difference, but sometimes I get away with it. Multiple feeders and waterers as well as warm and cool areas helps.

Mine are mixed also, I have done 1 week with day old, 2 week with day old, 4 week with 8 week in the coop with hiding spot for younger chicks. I think as long as the age difference is not more than a couple weeks it is usually safe.

 

[mylittlehippie]

I have one chick who recently lost her mother. She is the sole chick that I have right now. I had planned on getting more chicks anyway and now that she is alone I am considering getting some to put in with her. What age groups would be best to mix if I had to? Any tips on integrating them? Also this will be the first group of chicks without a broody raising them. Any tips on raising chicks without a hen?