Same Aged Chicks from Separate Brooders, Problems?

[MNchickaroo]

Will there be any problems when introducing same aged chicks which have been in two different brooders? (For space saving and the least amount of construction waste, we went with two brooders). Should I have any concerns, or things to look for when they are integrated? (I plan on having plenty of water, food and roosts, so there's no need to compete!)
They're just under three weeks, and we plan to move them out (and combine the two baby flocks) in two-three weeks (when the coop is completed). There are 22 chicks including Buckeyes, Wyandottes, Buff Orps and an Americana.

We also have an adult Buff Orpington hen and rooster who currently reside in a chicken tractor at night, but free range from dawn to dusk...thinking we'll put the littler ones in the big coop and let the others watch them from the outside for a week before integrating.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You may or may not have problems. They will remain 2 separate groups more than likely. You my have aggression. You would be better off getting them familiar with each other asap. Chicks over 2-3 weeks recognize each other and some will attack those they don't know.

 

[MNchickaroo]

Good to know! Is it enough that they see the other birds for part of a day (like a chick playdate), or should they be fully integrated asap? Also, would chicks "chest butting" each other be aggression or just being a chick?
I'm a little worried because one of our groups does seem to be more genteel in thier behavior and the other group is a little rowdier...and I don't want to lose any due to too many bosses!

 

[Cryss]

Integration is best done by keeping them separated but only with hardware cloth. They need to see each other up close but not be able to squabble. They get to know each other after a couple weeks. Then let them mingle while you monitor them. If after an hour or so all goes well you can just check in through the day. If there's trouble separate for another week. If all goes well you're probably in good shape. Good luck.

 

[Mrs. K]

I had a similar set up, two brooders, and was afraid of this, so what I did, was mix them up daily. Just grab a handful, and move to the other brooder, and grab some from the other side. I did not keep them in two brooders for long, mine were moved out at 3 weeks. But it is an idea that worked for me.

Mrs K

 

[Cryss]

I had a similar set up, two brooders, and was afraid of this, so what I did, was mix them up daily. Just grab a handful, and move to the other brooder, and grab some from the other side. I did not keep them in two brooders for long, mine were moved out at 3 weeks. But it is an idea that worked for me.

Mrs K

Love this!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Good to know! Is it enough that they see the other birds for part of a day (like a chick playdate), or should they be fully integrated asap? Also, would chicks "chest butting" each other be aggression or just being a chick?
I'm a little worried because one of our groups does seem to be more genteel in thier behavior and the other group is a little rowdier...and I don't want to lose any due to too many bosses!

Let everyone see each other so they become more familiar and less likely to peck each other.

Chest bumping is normal for chicks as they work out the pecking order amongst each other.

I'm always cautious introducing new birds. It's always better to take your time and not rush things. Trust your gut on whether everyone is getting along, and separate out if necessary and try again the next day. Keep at it until everyone gets along mostly.

 

[MNchickaroo]

Thanks for all the advice! My husband thinks I'm overthinking this aspect, but I'd hate to see some of the more laid back birds get hurt or picked on.
When you say hardware cloth, it's not really cloth, it's metal, almost like a mini fence, with small holes about 1/4 apart? That's what we have on the lid of the brooder boxes...I'm thinking I can swing the doors wide open (the long side of the brooders are on hinges) and face the open sides together (creating one giant brooder), then put the lid on it's side in between and let them see each other for awhile.
I do like the idea of scooping up birds and switching them, but I wonder at three weeks, is it too late to do that? Will it stress them out more separating them from birds they've already been with?
Oh boy, maybe I am overthinking this!!

 

[aart]

They're just under three weeks, and we plan to move them out (and combine the two baby flocks) in two-three weeks (when the coop is completed). There are 22 chicks including Buckeyes, Wyandottes, Buff Orps and an Americana.

At that age, moving them into a space that is new to all of them, should be no problem at all.

 

[Cryss]

I'm going to copy/paste what I said in a different thread:
"The only problem I found with 1/4 HC as opposed to 1/2 HC is that 1/4 is only 23 guage. Much much thinner than 1/2 inch which is 19 gauge. The 23 guage can be ripped easily. That being said, I did start out in my early days using 1/4 inch thinking smaller holes were better. Later I changed over to 1/2 inch, an added expense I could have been spared if I had known about 1/4 being so thin. It's all about not knowing what you don't know."

At that age, moving them into a space that is new to all of them, should be no problem at all.

That makes sense to me!
What if there was an age difference? If year old hens and 5-7 week old pullets were put in a new house at the same time would that work?