New Chicks!!!

[AVizcaya]

Sooooo, April 1 Cackle Hatchery calls me and says that one of my shipments had been delayed until April 14 but that 25 chicks will be arriving April 2. Ok, no big deal, until I start to think it over, I only have one brooder, is it going to be a big deal to combine 2 week olds with babies? If it makes any difference, the first batch was 15 dark cornish males, 5 dark cornish pullets, 5 spitzhaubens. The next batch will be 30 dark cornish males, and a mix of 15 pullets. I am thinking since the second batch is so much larger the older birds will be overwhelmed and not want to pick on them to avoid a mass revolt

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[ArizonaNessa]

There can be a big difference in 2 week olds and 2 days olds. You might get lucky and be able to put them together but I would be prepared to have a second brooder. Especially since the day olds need different temps than the 2 week olds. The major problem will be that the older ones will want to peck the little ones and then you end up with a real mess trying to doctor the pecked ones and keep them all separate from the non pecked ones. I wouldn't borrow trouble. I would just make a second brooder and be safe. Eventually they will all be able to go together.