Staggered hatches

[Homeward]

Had only a few viable eggs in the incubator now hatching. Is it possible to start incubating a new brood now and eventually co-raise the two sets of chicks 3-weeks apart in age in a combined brooder (once there is no longer need for a heat lamp w/different temps)?

 

[missmychicks]

Following!

 

[imacowgirl2]

We have two groups of chicks in the coop right now that are three weeks apart and they want nothing to do with each other. In a more confined space like a brooder, I think there would be a good chance of the littles getting picked on — 3-8 weeks is when chicks are really fighting with each other to establish pecking order. It might work though, every group of chicks is different — just make sure if that is your plan A that you have a plan B set up and ready to go if it doesn’t work.

 

[WallyG74]

I did it once out of necessity. The older group was 4 weeks and the younger was 1 week. Like cowgirl said, every group is different but it is possible.

 

[Homeward]

Appreciated, thx!

 

[missmychicks]

Just to clarify, the backup plan is to have two brooders and then introduce them as you would (carefully, protected , getting to know each other etc)?