Putting chicks outside/introducing chicks

[minamisfit]

I'm bringing new baby chicks in and I'm not sure what to do with my 3week old chicks. They are obviously to small to be introduced to my big girls (12 weeks) I was curious if I could just leave them in a tote covered in chicken wire to keep the big hens out, and just leave them in the run over night. I was worried about temperature but they haven't been under a heat lamp since about a week and a half old. It's been in the 80s during the day and 50s-60s during the nighttime, I have been letting them out in the run during the day while the big hens free range. If that isn't a possibility, would it be a bad idea to put the new chicks in with the 3 week old ones. Wouldn't that be easier then introducing them when they get bigger? The only thing is the little ones need the heat lamp while the bigger ones don't. Any answers appreciated!!

 

[iwiw60]

With your new chicks just now 3 weeks old, I'd say 50-60's is too low for them at night. They still need around 80 degrees right now.

 

[minamisfit]

How should I go about introducing the smaller ones to the 3 week olds? Should I just keep them in separate boxes

 

[iwiw60]

You could do a "double-brooder" box setup similar to this maybe:

Picture this with two 'square' boxes, connecting them with some chicken wire where they connect...they can see them...them can see they...if you get my drift!! Good luck but do keep them separated for a time til they all get used to each other!!

Just found another pic for an example: