Mixing week old and 2 day old chicks?

[IRL]

Since all the (local) hatcheries don't have the same age chicks of the kinds I want, I am being forced to get 3 2 day old buff orps and 3 1 week old barred rocks. Can I keep them together without the buffs being picked on? Thanks!

 

[TurkeyMountainChickens]

They should be fine. I wouldn't mix day olds - they aren't quite quick enough on their feet! But by the time they are 2 days old most chicks would be fine with others a bit older. Do be sure there is plenty of room for all in the brooder box, though, and plenty of feeder space.

 

[ChickieBonBon]

This is my first time with chicks, but my six were all different ages when I brought them home. Two were almost two weeks old and two were newly hatched (the AM I picked them up). They were all fine. The only "problem" I had was the youngest chicks (two silkies) tried to sleep under the largest two (which are large breeds)! I have had them for about 6 weeks now and despite age and size difference, they get along great!

Also, based on what I had read I made sure they had a lot of room in the brooder and I used a red light which is supposed to help.

Good luck!